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BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS 
IN  AMERICA 


BOOKS   BY   LOUISE  SHELTON 

PUBLISHED   BY   CHARLES    SCRIBNER'S  SONS 

BEAUTIFUL   GARDENS   IN   AMERICA.  Il- 
lustrated.   4to  net  $s.oo 

CONTINUOUS   BLOOM   IN   AMERICA.  U- 

lustrated.    4to  I'et  $2.00 


THE  SEASONS  IN  A  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Illustrated.    i2mo  itet  S1.00 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS 
IN  AMERICA 


BY 

LOUISE  SH  ELTON 


SECOND  EDITION 


NEW  YORK 

CHARLES  SCRIBNER'S  SONS 

1916 


COPYRIGHT,  1915,  BY 
CHARLES  SCRIBNER'S  SONS 


Published  November,  1915 


DEDICATED  TO  THE  PRAISE  OF  THOSE  AMER- 
ICAN MEN  AND  WOMEN,  OF  WHATSOEVER 
PERIOD,  WHO  HAVE  PLANTED  SO  BEAUTIFULLY 
THAT  THEIR  GARDENS  ARE  AN  INSPIRATION 
TO    OTHERS    IN   ALL  GENERATIONS 


IN  GREEN  OLD  GARDENS 


Here  may  I  live  what  life  I  please, 
Married  and  buried  out  of  sight, 
Married  to  pleasure,  and  buried  to  pain, 
Hidden  away  amongst  scenes  like  these 
Under  the  fans  of  the  chestnut  trees: 
Living  my  child-life  over  again, 
With  the  further  hope  of  a  fuller  delight, 
Blithe  as  the  birds  and  wise  as  the  bees. 
In  green  old  gardens  hidden  away 
From  sight  of  revel,  and  sound  of  strife, 
Here  have  I  leisure  to  breathe  and  move, 
And  do  my  work  in  a  nobler  way; 
To  sing  my  songs,  and  to  say  my  say; 
To  dream  my  dreams,  and  to  love  my  love, 
To  hold  my  faith  and  to  live  my  life. 
Making  the  most  of  its  shadowy  day. 

— ^Violet  Fane. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Foreword   xv 

CHAPTER 

I.    The  Garden  and  Its  Meaning   i 

II.    Climate  in  America   8 

III.  New  England   13 

Maine   14 

New  Hampshire  and  Vermont      ...  27 

Massachusetts   37 

Rhode  Island   79 

Connecticut   89 

IV.  New  York   99 

Long  Island,  New  York   127 

V.    New  Jersey   155 

VI.  Pennsylvania   187 

VII.  Maryland   205 

VIII.    Virginia   219 

IX.  South  Carolina   235 

X.  Georgia  and  Florida   247 

vii 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XI.    Tennessee  and  Missouri    255 

XII.    Illinois  and  Indiana   265 

XIII.  Ohio   277 

XIV.  Michigan  and  Wisconsin   287 

XV.    New  Mexico   299 

XVI.    California   303 

XVII.    Oregon  and  Washington    323 

XVIII.    Alaska   337 

XIX.    Vancouver  Island   340 

A  Few  Garden  Gates   347 


viii 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


COLOR-PLATES 


PLATE 

I    "Mariemont,"  Newport,  R.  I   Frotiiis piece 

I  "Fairlawn,"  Lenox,  Mass  Facing  page  42 

IV   The  Author's  Childhood  Garden  "  "  106 

V    Southampton,  L.  I  "  "  130 

VI    "Glen  Alpine,"  Morristown,  N.  J  "  "  160 

ArriT  r  Roland  Park,  Baltimore,  Md  "  "  210 


Plates  I,  V,  VII,  and  VIII  were  reproduced  from  photographs  colored  by 
Mrs.  Herbert  A.  Raynes,  the  basis  of  which  were  autochrome  photographs. 


HALF-TONE  PLATES 

'LATE 

1  "Kenarden  Lodge,"  Bar  Harbor,  Maine. 

2  "Blair  Eyrie,"  Bar  Harbor,  Maine. 

4  >  "Hamilton  House,"  South  Berwick,  Maine. 

5  J 
6' 

7 

8  \  Cornish,  N.  H. 
9 

10 , 

II    Old  Bennington,  Vt. 
12) 

13  \  "Weld,"  Brookline,  Mass. 

14  J 

15  Wellesley,  Mass. 

16  "Holm  Lea,"  Brookline,  Mass. 

18  >  "Fairlawn,"  Lenox,  Mass. 

19  J 

20  1 

21  \  "Bellefontaine,"  Lenox,  Mass. 

22  J 

ix 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PtATE 


23  "OVERLOCH,"  WeNHAM,  MaSS. 

24  "Fernbrooke,"  Lenox,  Mass. 

25  "Chesterwood,"  Glendale,  Mass. 


27  >  "Riverside  Farm,"  Tyringham,  Mass. 


29  "Naum  Keag,"  Stockbridge,  Mass. 

30  "Brookside,"  Great  Barrington,  Mass. 

31  "Rock  M.\ple  Farm,"  Hamilton,  Mass. 

32  Brookline,  Mass. 

33  Longfellow's  Garden,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

34  Old  Witch  House,  Salem,  Mass. 

35  "Mariemont,"  Newport,  R.  I. 

36  "The  Elms,"  Newport,  R.  I. 

37  "Vernon  Court,"  Newport,  R.  I. 

38  "ViLLASERRA,"  WaRREN,  R.  I. 

39  "WooDSiDE,"  Hartford,  Conn. 

40  "Elmwood,"  Pomfret,  Conn. 

41  Pomfret  Centre,  Conn. 

42  "Branford  House,"  Groton,  Conn. 

43  Pomfret  Centre,  Conn. 


45  J 

46  Section  of  a  Wild  Garden  at  Tuxedo  Park,  N.  Y. 

47  "Woodland,"  Tuxedo,  N.  Y. 

48  "Cragswerthe,"  Tuxedo,  N.  Y. 

49  "Blithewood,"  Barrytown-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 


>  "  Wodenethe,"  Beacon-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 
51  J 


The  Author's  Childhood  Garden,  Newburgh-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 


54   "Echo  Lawn,"  Newburgh-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 


57  "Ridgeland  Farm,"  Bedford,  N.  Y. 

58  SoxJthampton,  L.  I. 
59^ 


60 
61 
62 


The  Orchard,"  Southampton,  L.  I. 


X 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


"The  Appletrees,"  Southampton,  L.  I. 


East  Hampton,  L.  I. 


PLATE 
63  I 
64/ 

65    Southampton,  L.  I. 
66 
67 
68 
69 

70  "Manor  House,"  Glen  Cove,  L.  I. 

71  Cedarhurst,  L.  I. 

72  Westbury,  L.  I. 

73  "Manor  House,"  Glen  Cove,  L.  I. 

74  "Sylvester  Manor,"  Shelter  Island. 

75  "  Cherrycroft,"  Morristown,  N.  J. 

76  "RiDGEWooD  Hill,"  Morristown,  N.  J. 

77  Morristown,  N.  J. 

78  1 

79  >  "Blairsden,"  Peapack,  N.  J. 

80  I 
81 
82 
83 
84 
8S 
86 

87 


89 


92 

93 

94  \ 

95  J 
96 

97 
98 

99 
100 

lOI 


'Brooklawn,"  Short  Hills,  N.  J. 
'Drumthwacket,"  Princeton,  N.  J. 


'Onunda,"  Madison,  N.  J. 
'Glen  Alpine,"  Morristown,  N.  J. 
'Thornton,"  Rumson,  N.  J. 
Highland,  N.  J. 
Allgates,"  Haverford,  Pa. 

^°  >  Andalusia,  Pa. 
91  J 

'Edgecombe,"  Chestnut  Hill,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
'Krisheim,"  Chestnut  Hill,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

'Willow  Bank,"  Bryn  Mawr,  Pa. 

'Fancy  Field,"  Chestnut  Hill,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

'TiMBERLINE,"  BrYN  MaWR,  Pa. 

'Ballygarth,"  Chestnut  Hill,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
'Hampton,"  Towson,  Md. 
'Evergreen-on-Avenue,"  Baltimore,  Md. 
'Cylburn  House,"  Cylburn,  Baltimore  Co.,  Md. 

xi 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PLATE 

102  "Ingleside,"  Catonsville,  Md. 

103  "The  Blind,"  Havre  de  Grace,  Md. 
104 


105 
106 
107 
108 
109 

no   "Meadowbrook  Manor,"  Drewry's  Bluff,  Va. 
Ill    Richmond,  Va. 
112 


>  MONTPELIER,  Va. 

Rose  Hill,"  Greenwood,  Va. 


■Magnolia  Garden,"  Charleston,  S.  C. 

113  J 

114  ] 

115  [  "Preston  Garden,"  Columbia,  S.  C. 

116  J 

117  ] 

118  >  "Green  Court,"  Augusta,  Ga. 

119  J 

120  Tropical  Growth,  Palm  Beach,  Fla. 

121  "Rostrevor,"  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

122  LoNGViEW,  Tenn. 

123  "Hazelwood,"  Kinloch,  Mo. 

124  Lake  Forest,  III. 

125  "Hardin  Hall,"  Hubbard's  Wood,  III. 

^^^1"The  Farms,"  Monticello,  III. 
127/  ' 

I  28  1 

>  The  Rock  Garden,  "Englishton  Park,"  Lexington,  Ind. 

129  J  '  '  ' 

130  "GwiNN,"  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
131 1 

132  >  Clifton,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

133  J 

134  "Shadyside,"  Painesville,  Ohio. 

>  "Indian  Hill,"  Mentor,  Ohio. 
136] 

137  "Orchard  House,"  Alma,  Mich. 

138  "  Garra-tigh,"  Bay  City,  Mich. 

139  "Fairlawn,"  Grosse  Points  Shores,  Mich. 

140  I  "House-in-the-Woods,"  Lake  Geneva,  Wis. 

141  J 

xii 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Las  Cruces,  N.  M. 
"KiMBERLY  Crest,"  Redlands,  Cal. 
"  Glendessary,"  Santa  Barbara,  Cal. 

"PiRANHURST,"  SaNTA  BARBARA,  Cal. 

Ross,  Cal. 
Pasadena,  Cal. 

"Canon  Crest  Park,"  Redlands,  Cal. 

155  Typical  Growth  in  California. 

156  1 

157  [  "Thornewood,"  Tacoma,  Wash. 

158  J 

^^^1  Seattle,  Wash. 

161  Section  of  a  Rose  Hedge  Bordering  an  Avenue  in  Portland, 

Ore. 

162  "RosECREST,"  Portland  Heights,  Portland,  Ore. 

163  "Cliff  Cottage,"  Elk  Rock,  Portland,  Ore. 

164  "High  Hatch,"  Riverwood,  Portland,  Ore. 


165 
166 


169 
170 


Victoria  City,  Vancouver  Island,  B.  C. 


167  Longview,  Tenn. 

168  "  Knock-Mae-Cree,"  Westport,  Conn. 


"Hamilton  House,"  South  Berwick,  Maine. 


>"Glen  Alpine,"  Morristown,  N.  T- 

172  J  '  >  J 

173  East  Hampton,  L.  I. 

174  "Glendessary,"  Santa  Barbara,  Cal. 

175  Clifton,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

176  "Thornewood,"  Tacoma,  Wash. 

Title-Page:  East  Hampton,  L.  L,  Albert  Herter,  Esq. 

From  a  photograph  by  Jessie  Tarbox  Beals. 


xiii 


A GARDEN  was  wonderful  at  night — a  place  of 
strange  silences  and  yet  stranger  sound:  trees 
darkly  guarding  mysterious  paths  that  ran  into 
caverns  of  darkness;  the  scents  of  flowers  rising  from 
damp  earth  heavy  with  dew;  flowers  that  were  weary 
with  the  dust  and  noise  of  the  day  and  slept  gently, 
gratefully,  with  their  heads  drooping  to  the  soil,  their 
petals  closed  by  the  tender  hands  of  the  spirits  of  the 
garden.  The  night  sounds  were  strangely  musical.  Cries 
that  were  discordant  in  the  day  mingled  now  with  the 
running  of  distant  water,  the  last  notes  of  some  bird 
before  it  slept,  the  measured  harmony  of  a  far-away 
bell,  the  gentle  rustle  of  some  arrival  in  the  thickets; 
the  voice  that  could  not  be  heard  in  the  noisy  chatter 
of  the  day  rose  softly  now  in  a  little  song  of  the  night 
and  the  dark  trees  and  the  silver  firelight  of  the  stars." 

— Hugh  Walpole. 


FOREWORD 


Books  and  magazines  written  by  and  for  American 
architects  usually  show  in  their  illustrations  fine  imita- 
tions of  lovely  French,  English,  and  Italian  formalism  and 
works  of  art  in  marble  or  other  stone  ornamenting  the 
gardens  of  great  mansions  in  this  country. 

The  object  of  this  book  is  to  present,  more  particularly, 
another  type  of  garden,  demonstrating  the  cultured  Amer- 
ican's love  of  beauty  expressed  through  plant  life  rather 
than  in  stone;  showing  the  development  of  his  ideal  in 
more  original  directions,  when  planning  for  himself  the 
garden  spot  in  which  he  is  to  live  rather  than  when 
building  wholly  in  imitation  of  some  accepted  type  of 
classic  art. 

With  but  few  exceptions,  these  illustrations  are  of  a 
class  which  might  be  called  personal  gardens.  The  at- 
tractive features  in  nearly  every  view  speak  so  eloquently 
for  themselves  that  there  seems  but  little  need  of  detailed 
verbal  description  of  each  beautiful  spot. 

In  covering  all  sections  of  the  country,  occasion  is  given 
for  the  observation  and  study  of  widely  varying  climatic 

XV 


FOREWORD 


conditions,  the  results  of  which  the  author  has  also  sought 
to  consider. 

Some  difficulty  has  been  felt  in  properly  ascribing  the 
ownership  of  a  number  of  the  gardens  illustrated.  As  a 
rule,  there  is  but  one  recognized  director  of  the  garden's 
welfare  —  rarely  are  two  members  of  a  household  equally 
interested.  While  he  is  by  custom  acknowledged  master 
of  the  house,  it  is  oftener  she  who  rules  supreme  among 
the  flowers.  Misnaming  the  real  possessor  might  be  a 
serious  mistake;  attributing  the  ownership  to  two  is 
superfluous;  the  benefit,  where  any  doubt  existed,  has 
been  therefore  given  to  the  fair  sex,  with  due  apology  for 
possible  errors. 

Louise  Shelton. 

MORRISTOWN,  N.  J., 

October  28,  1915. 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDEiNS 
IN  AMERICA 


A  GARDEN 


Come  not  with  careless  feet 

To  tread  my  garden's  unfrequented  ways. 
No  highroad  this,  no  busy  clanging  street, 

No  place  of  petty  shows  and  fond  displays. 
Here  there  are  blossoms  sweet 

That  shrink  and  pine  from  inconsiderate  gaze; 
And  here  the  birds  repeat 

Only  to  loving  ears  their  truest  lays. 
Hither  I  can  retreat 

And  drink  of  peace  where  peace  unravished  stays. 

Herein  are  streams  of  sorrow  no  man  knows — 

Herein  a  well  of  joy  inviolate  flows; 

Come  not  with  careless  feet 

To  soil  my  garden's  sanctuary  ways. 

— Anonymous. 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS 
IN  AMERICA 

I 

THE  GARDEN  AND  ITS  MEANING 

A  world  without  flowers !  What  would  it  be  ?  Among 
those  who  know,  such  a  question  needs  no  answer  —  and 
we  are  not  seeking  a  reply  from  the  uninitiated  who,  for 
lack  of  understanding  and  sympathy,  can  but  gaze  at  us 
with  wondering  pity,  when  our  gardens  cause  us  to  over- 
look so  much  that  to  them  means  life.  But  is  there  any 
life  more  real  than  the  life  in  the  garden  for  those  who 
actually  take  part  in  its  creation  and  nurture  it  carefully 
week  by  week  and  year  by  year?  If,  owing  to  this  ab- 
sorbing occupation,  we  fail  to  give  a  full  share  of  our- 
selves to  some  of  the  social  avocations  of  the  busy  world 
are  we  to  be  pitied  for  getting  "back  to  the  soil"  to  which 
we  belong?  Man  was  put  by  the  Creator  "in  the  Garden 
of  Eden  to  dress  it  and  to  keep  it,"  and  even  after  his 
forced  departure  therefrom  he  was  bidden  to  "till  the 
ground,"  and  the  reward  seems  great  to  us  who  know  the 
meaning  of  the  signs  and  wonders  continually  being  re- 
vealed in  the  garden  world. 

1 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


In  seeking  the  simpler  life  which  many  are  now  craving, 
if  luxuries  are  blessings  that  we  could  do  without,  must  we 
count  the  flower  garden  a  luxury?  Not  while  its  beauty 
is  a  joy  in  which  others  may  share,  nor  when  it  helps  to 
keep  at  home  our  interests  which  make  the  real  home. 
There  is  a  luxury  that  often  induces  the  roaming  spirit, 
and  doubtless  were  there  fewer  motors  there  would  be 
still  more  gardens  and  incidentally  more  home  life.  Yet 
notwithstanding  this  temptation  to  roam,  gardens  are 
now  on  the  increase  in  almost  every  section  of  the  United 
States.  We  have  made  a  brave  beginning  of  which  to 
be  justly  proud. 

If  only  we  could  live  in  the  world  more  as  we  live  in 
the  garden,  what  joy  and  contentment  would  be  brought 
into  the  daily  life!  In  the  garden  hurry  and  noise  are 
needless,  for  perfect  system  can  prevail  where  each  plant, 
each  labor  has  its  own  especial  time,  and  where  haste  is 
a  stranger,  quiet  reigns.  It  is  in  the  stillness  of  the  green 
world  that  we  hear  the  sounds  that  make  for  peace  and 
growth.  In  the  garden,  too,  we  labor  faithfully,  as  best 
we  know  how,  in  following  rules  that  promise  good  results. 
Then  at  a  certain  time  we  must  stand  aside,  consciously 
trusting  to  the  source  of  life  to  do  the  rest.  With  hopeful 
eyes  we  watch  and  wait,  while  the  mysterious  unseen  spirit 
brings  life  into  plant  and  tree.  When  something  goes 
wrong,  how  sublime  is  our  cheerful  garden  philosophy,  as 
smiling  we  say:  "Just  wait  until  we  try  next  year !"  And 
patiently  we  try  again,  and  ever  patiently,  sometimes  again 

2 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


and  yet  again.  Our  unwritten  motto  is:  "If  others  can, 
then  why  not  we?"  Even  the  man  who  "contends  that 
God  is  not"  shows  all  this  wondrous  reliance  in  the  unseen 
force  within  his  garden. 

With  hands  plunged  into  the  cool  earth  we  seem  to 
bury  in  the  magic  soil  all  thoughts  that  jar  till  we  almost 
feel  ourselves  a  part  of  the  garden  plan;  as  much  in  har- 
mony with  it  as  the  note  of  the  bird,  the  soft  splash  of  the 
fountain,  the  tints  of  the  flowers  and  their  perfumes. 
This  idea  is  better  expressed  in  four  lines  found  inscribed 
on  an  old  garden  seat: 

"  The  kiss  of  the  sun  for  pardon, 
The  song  of  the  birds  for  mirth. 
One  is  nearer  God's  heart  in  a  garden 
Than  anywhere  else  on  earth." 

It  is  not  a  selfish  life  —  the  object  in  view  is  not  a 
narrow  one.  How  few  would  be  content  to  create  a  beau- 
tiful garden  if  none  could  see !  And  our  pleasure  is  not 
complete  until  others  have  shared  its  sweetness  with  us. 
The  gardener  is  developing  nature  in  the  simplest  and 
truest  way,  following  the  thought  of  the  first  great  Archi- 
tect and  gladdening  the  hearts  of  men  with  the  vision 
beautiful  of  the  possibilities  within  plant  life.  In  the  flower 
garden  the  efforts  are  for  upbuilding,  for  giving  back  some 
of  the  beauty  intended  in  the  Perfect  Plan,  too  often  de- 
faced by  man's  heedlessness. 

Dating  back  their  beginning  some  two  hundred  years  in 

3 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


certain  Southern  States,  numerous  gardens,  beautiful  with 
age,  tell  the  story  of  the  ardent  garden  lovers  of  earlier 
days,  who  had  to  send  abroad  for  their  green  treasures 
which  they  planted  and  carefully  tended,  hopefully  plan- 
ning for  the  future.  Many  such  gardens  with  their  choice 
shrubs  and  trees  still  stand  as  green  memorials  to  those 
long-ago  people  who  had  time  and  money  for  this  luxury. 
Since  then  the  hardships  following  war  have  brought  sad 
neglect  to  the  beautiful  places  — •  the  number  we  can  never 
guess  —  many  of  which,  however,  are  now  being  aroused  to 
fresh  life  by  new  owners  who  appreciate  the  charm  and 
dignity  of  an  ancient  home. 

Hidden  away  in  some  of  the  old  plantations  of  the 
South,  and  scattered  over  the  Eastern  States,  near  Phila- 
delphia, along  the  Hudson  River,  and  in  parts  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, the  best  of  the  older  gardens  are  found. 
Beautiful,  too,  while  often  beyond  reach  of  the  camera, 
are  many  of  the  more  modern  creations  so  skilfully  and 
lovingly  fashioned  by  men  and  women  of  later  genera- 
tions. It  is  impossible  to  do  justice  in  photography  to 
some  of  them  when  certain  conditions  prevent  the  camera 
from  being  placed  at  a  range  favorable  to  getting  a  view 
of  the  larger  portions  in  one  photograph.  Sometimes 
they  are  composed  of  three  or  four  connecting  sections, 
each  bringing  a  surprised  delight  to  the  visitor  passing 
from  one  to  the  other,  but  such  an  arrangement  cannot 
be  satisfactorily  portrayed  in  a  picture. 

One  strange  reason  why  some  American  gardens  are 

4 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


not  photographed  for  the  public  is  that  occasionally  people 
are  found  who  will  not  share  their  blessings  with  others 
less  fortunate;  who  jealously  keep  in  seclusion  all  the 
wealth  of  nature's  sweetness  contained  in  their  garden 
plot. 

After  all,  is  not  the  delight  which  belongs  to  a  garden 
but  a  bit  of  borrowed  glory  from  the  Creator  of  sunlight, 
and  of  the  kingdom  of  flowers?  If  a  garden  is  worthy  of 
showing  to  our  intimates,  can  we  close  it  to  the  stranger 
who  may  need  even  more  to  breathe  inspiration  from  its 
peace  and  loveliness?  The  foreign  custom  of  opening  the 
fine  places  to  the  public  on  stated  days  is  one  that  we 
should  freely  emulate.  And  to  those  who  may  not  come 
to  the  gardens,  what  a  boon  is  photography,  especially  in 
color,  placing  in  our  very  hands  the  beauty  that  we  crave! 

The  views  contained  within  this  book  show  gardens 
that  were  planned,  with  but  few  exceptions,  by  their  owners, 
earnestly  laboring  to  express  their  sense  of  the  beautiful 
in  these  their  outdoor  homes.  And  so  great  is  the  individ- 
uality evinced  in  most  of  them  that  there  are  hardly  two 
gardens  that  resemble  one  another,  for  the  differences 
in  gardens  are  as  many  as  the  endless  number  of  varying 
characters  written  in  the  faces  of  men.  Both  are  stamped 
with  the  spirit  behind  them.  In  visiting  gardens  it  is  not 
difficult  to  distinguish  between  the  ones  fashioned  by 
"love's  labor"  and  those  made  by  the  practical  gardener. 

More  and  more  we  are  getting  away  from  the  cold,  stiff 
planting  of  Canna,  Coleus,  and  Salvia.   Few  of  us  can 

5 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


tolerate  the  impression  of  newness  and  rigidity  in  the 
garden,  and  as  Father  Time  cannot  help  us  fast  enough  we 
try  to  emulate  him  by  stamping  his  mark  of  mellowness 
in  innumerable  ways  upon  the  youthful  garden.  Then 
Mother  Earth  is  consulted  as  to  her  unrivalled  way  for 
the  grouping  of  her  flower  family,  and  she  shows  us  the 
close  company  they  keep  —  hand  in  hand  over  the  whole 
meadow  —  nothing  stands  quivering  alone,  grasses  and 
plants  blending  to  fill  all  spaces.  Then  above,  in  the  rain- 
bow, we  learn  the  harmony  for  our  color  scheme,  and  unto 
no  nation  on  earth  need  we  apply  for  the  latest  theories 
dealing  with  these  subjects  for  the  beautifying  of  our 
gardens.  The  more  of  the  nature  scheme  we  bring  into 
them  the  greater  satisfaction  will  they  give. 

We  should  build  the  garden  with  a  setting  of  fine  trees 
grouped  upon  the  outskirts,  otherwise  it  will  seem  as  in- 
complete as  a  portrait  without  a  frame.  Half  of  the  charm 
attached  to  the  beautiful  old  gardens  of  Europe  lies  in 
the  richness  of  their  backgrounds  of  stately  hedges  and 
trees. 

If  comparisons  were  to  be  made  between  such  views  as 
those  shown  in  this  book  and  the  pictures  of  English  gar- 
dens, for  instance,  the  differences  would  not  in  every  case 
be  favorable  to  England,  although  it  must  be  admitted 
that  age  has  given  a  dignity  and  grandeur  to  many  Eng- 
lish gardens  that  could  hardly  be  surpassed.  Time,  doubt- 
less, will  add  this  dignity  to  our  gardens,  but  can  we  not 
feel  that  we  have  already  equalled  some  of  the  smaller 

6 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


English  gardens  when  we  consider  the  poetical  beauty 
found  in  most  of  these  illustrations? 

Unfortunately,  except  in  a  few  localities,  our  climate 
does  not  encourage  the  perfect  development  of  the  choicest 
of  the  evergreen  hedge-plants,  and  yet  with  time  we  can 
produce  some  moderately  fine  effects  in  hedges.  We  may 
not  hope  soon  to  rival  the  best  of  the  foreign  gardens  that 
have  been  maturing  through  generations  of  continuous 
care.  Favored  not  only  by  climate  but  by  riches  unknown 
to  the  early  landowners  of  our  States,  the  best  of  the  old 
gardens  across  the  sea  stand  for  the  combined  dreams  of 
the  many  minds  which  gradually  evolved  them,  the  loving 
handiwork  of  innumerable  patient  toilers  who  have  succes- 
sively ministered  to  them. 

Just  as  there  are  gardens  peculiar  to  other  nations, 
Dutch,  French,  Italian,  etc.,  might  we  not  give  serious 
consideration  to  evolving  some  day  a  type  peculiarly 
American,  inasmuch  as  it  would  embody  the  poetic  and 
artistic  sense  of  our  country?  Such  a  result  might  be  at- 
tained even  should  we  claim  the  privilege  of  our  individual 
liberty,  to  plant,  each  one  for  the  expression  of  his  own 
soul,  thus  keeping  our  gardens  distinctly  variable  and 
original  in  type,  and  so  ultimately  national. 


7 


II 


CLIMATE  IN  AMERICA 

Few  subjects  are  more  bewildering  than  that  of  climate 
in  the  United  States,  and  its  effect  on  gardens  in  different 
sections  is  an  ever  interesting  study.  Replying  to  the 
question  as  to  which  locality  in  the  East  might  be  said 
to  have  the  longest  continued  flowering  period,  an  expert 
in  the  Agricultural  Department  writes:  "The  question  of 
plant  life  in  relation  to  climate  is  a  very  large  one  and  one 
about  which  it  is  hard  to  generalize  without  close  study  in 
the  various  parts  of  the  country.  Some  little  work  along 
these  lines  is  being  attempted,  but  as  yet  we  have  been 
unable  to  make  any  report  upon  it." 

Correspondence  with  gardeners  in  the  various  States 
has  furnished  the  brief  data  given  in  connection  with  the 
following  chapters,  showing  that  the  local  conditions  as 
affecting  garden  culture  are  much  more  encouraging  in 
some  places  than  in  others. 

Not  only  are  there  the  matters  of  latitude  and  altitude 
to  be  considered,  but  often  quite  as  important  is  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Gulf  Stream  in  the  Atlantic  or  of  the  Japan 
Current  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Again,  there  is  the  moist 
climate  by  the  sea,  or  the  quality  of  soil,  the  periodic  tor- 

8 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


rential  rainfall  of  one  section,  and  elsewhere  the  long 
months  of  drought. 

Generally  speaking,  our  country  is,  in  most  parts,  a 
land  of  sunshine,  with  usually  sufficient  rain  and  mois- 
ture to  benefit  plant  life,  and  while  we  grumble  at  our 
sudden  changes  in  temperature,  how  few  of  us  realize 
the  blessing  of  an  abundant  sunshine  pervading  the  "great 
outdoors"  and  incidentally  the  gardens! 

Nowhere  do  flowers  grow  more  luxuriantly,  in  greater 
variety,  or  through  a  season  more  prolonged  than  on  the 
coasts  of  Oregon,  Washington,  and  California, — soil,  mois- 
ture, and  temperature  combining  to  make  gardening  a 
simpler  task  than  it  is  elsewhere.  The  shore  country  of 
Southern  California  is  a  perpetual  garden,  with  a  climate 
almost  unrivalled  for  plants  and  for  humans.  North  of 
San  Francisco  the  near  approach  of  the  Japan  Current 
produces  a  climate  quite  similar  to  that  of  England,  and 
with  the  exception  of  possibly  two  months  (and  even  then 
an  occasional  Rose  may  bloom)  flowers  are  found  all  the 
year  round.  This  favored  section  of  the  Northwest  never- 
theless is  not  visited  with  as  much  sunshine  as  is  found 
elsewhere,  but  its  gardens  blossom  with  little  assistance 
save  from  the  frequent  rainfall,  more  welcome  to  plants 
than  to  men. 

In  Kansas  and  the  other  flat  and  fertile  States  of  the 
Middle  West  the  garden  period,  on  account  of  the  long, 
dry  summers,  is  usually  limited  to  the  weeks  from  late 
March  to  late  June,    In  the  more  northern  temperature 

9 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


of  the  lake  region  gardens  which  flourish  all  summer  are 
numerous. 

The  Atlantic  States  have  a  shorter  blooming  season 
than  those  on  the  Pacific  coast.  Throughout  the  South, 
east  of  New  Mexico,  the  warm  weather  season  is  as  pro- 
longed as  on  the  Pacific  coast,  and  yet  in  the  Southern 
States  garden  bloom  is  checked  half-way  through  the 
summer  by  excessive  heat  and  drought  (except  in  the 
favored  mountainous  localities),  which  at  least  interrupt 
the  continuous  succession  of  flowers.  For  this  reason  gar- 
dening in  the  South  except  in  spring,  or  in  high  altitudes, 
is  generally  discouraged. 

Although  not  stated  as  an  indisputable  fact,  scientifi- 
cally, we  are  inclined  to  believe  that  the  seacoast  section 
of  the  Maryland  peninsula  is  the  locality  in  the  East 
especially  favorable  to  the  most  prolonged  season  of  bloom. 
Lying  between  sea  and  bay,  this  particular  district  in  the 
latitude  for  early  spring  and  late  frost  enjoys  also  the  bene- 
fit of  surrounding  waters,  escaping  thereby  the  parching 
summer  climate  from  which  gardens  of  the  interior  suffer, 
to  the  west  and  south  and  to  the  north,  almost  as  far  as 
Philadelphia. 

In  Maine  conditions  are  different;  April  and  May  gar- 
dens are  conspicuously  absent.  The  flower  season  gen- 
erally begins  in  mid- June  and  does  not  much  exceed  three 
months,  but  in  that  period  the  bloom  is  exceptionally 
luxuriant.  The  season  is  necessarily  a  short  one,  as  it  is 
throughout  this  latitude  westward  to  Oregon,  where  after 

10 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


reaching  the  Coast  or  Cascade  Range  there  is  a  change  and 
the  climate  becomes  more  like  that  of  England  than  Maine. 
Along  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Maine  to  New  Jersey,  where 
the  climate  is  ideal  for  flowers,  the  greatest  proportion  of 
Eastern  gardens  may  be  found,  on  the  shore  and  inland  as 
well. 

So  much  for  the  general  climatic  effects  upon  flowers 
of  the  more  populous  districts  of  our  vast  country.  A 
few  lines  will  suffice  to  treat  the  climate  question  in  con- 
nection with  hedge-plants. 

While  the  summer  climate  in  the  Southern  States  has 
not  generally  a  salutary  effect  upon  the  flowers,  yet  it  has 
favored  the  best  development  of  Boxwood,  Holly,  and 
certain  other  choice  shrubs  and  trees,  which  do  not  thrive 
well  north  of  Philadelphia.  Fine  specimens  of  Boxwood 
are  rare  sights  in  New  England,  where  the  more  severe 
winters  have  from  time  to  time  destroyed  the  top  growth. 
Many  old  New  England  gardens  show  the  characteristic 
Box-edged  path,  but  the  shrub  is  usually  not  over  two  feet 
high,  and  is  likely  to  remain  so  unless  eventually  the 
winter  climate  should  moderate.  Boxwood  is  seen  on  the 
Pacific  coast,  north  of  San  Francisco,  but  not  to  the  south, 
where  Cypress  is  popular.  There  is  little  Boxwood  in  the 
latitude  of  New  York  City,  except  for  edgings,  where  for 
tall  hedges  Privet,  Arbor- Vitse,  Hemlock,  and  Spruce  are 
probaby  the  most  reliable  evergreens.  Arbor- Vitse  is  un- 
likely to  live  longer  than  seventy  years. 

Although  all  of  our  States  are  not  represented  in  this 

11 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


volume,  these  views  are  taken  so  generally  from  almost 
every  section  that  the  climatic  conditions  describing  one' 
State  may  usually  stand  as  well  at  least  for  the  States  im- 
mediately adjoining.  The  only  section  of  the  Union  omitted 
is  that  part  through  which  run  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
As  a  rule,  this  part  of  the  country  is  not  in  its  nature  open 
to  the  cultivation  of  formal  gardens,  although  its  wild 
flora  is  remarkable  enough  to  deserve  special  treatment. 

In  the  brief  chapters  to  follow  there  will  be  given  more 
detail  relating  to  cHmate,  in  order  that  we  fellow  gardeners 
in  all  parts  of  the  Union  may  know  something  more  about 
one  another's  garden  program,  our  several  problems,  and 
our  privileges  in  this  outdoor  life  that  we  lead. 


12 


Ill 


NEW  ENGLAND 

With  dreams  of  the  English  gardens  ever  before  them, 
our  Pilgrim  fathers  and  mothers  brought  flower  and  vege- 
table seeds  to  the  new  land,  and  the  earliest  entries  in  old 
Plymouth  records  contain  mention  of  "garden  plotes."* 
John  Josseiyn,  fifty  years  later,  wrote  a  book  called  "New 
England  Rarities  Discovered,"  including  a  list  of  plants 
originally  brought  from  old  England,  mentioning  those 
suitable  or  not  for  this  climate,  and  showing  that  our  an- 
cestors had  lost  no  time  in  planting  not  only  vegetables  for 
the  benefit  of  their  bodies  but  flowers  as  well  for  the  cheer 
of  their  souls. 

The  New  England  States  naturally  have  the  largest 
representation  in  this  book,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the 
climate  of  numerous  Western  and  Southern  States  causes 
many  of  the  inhabitants  to  find  summer  homes  near  the 
North  Atlantic  seaboard.  It  is  not  that  the  New  Eng- 
lander  is  a  more  ardent  gardener,  but  rather  that  ardent 
gardeners  from  elsewhere  are  tempted  by  the  soil  and 
climate  to  join  the  Easterners  in  creating  these  flower 
"plotes,"  which  beautify  hundreds  of  hamlets  in  this  sec- 

*  Quoted  from  "Old  Time  Gardens,"  by  Alice  Morse  Earle. 

.  13 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 

tion.  On  the  coast  particularly  flowers  grow  most  luxuri- 
antly, even  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  surf,  where 
snug  gardens  protected  by  windbreak  hedges  blossom  as 
serenely  as  in  an  inland  meadow.  Not  long  ago  most 
people  believed  that  gardening  or  gardens  near  the  sea 
were  an  impossibility;  but  when  they  realized  the  hardiness 
of  certain  dense  shrubs  that  make  perfect  hedges  and  wind- 
breaks, gardens  on  the  shore  sprang  rapidly  into  existence, 
and  we  of  the  inland  are  apt  to  envy  nature's  partiality  to 
seaside  flowers. 

MAINE 

At  Bar  Harbor  on  the  island  of  Mount  Desert,  Maine, 
as  in  other  places  of  this  latitude,  the  season,  of  course, 
begins  later  and  ends  sooner  than  near  New  York  City. 
The  flowering  period  is  from  five  to  six  weeks  shorter  at 
Bar  Harbor.  However,  the  wonderful  summer  climate 
somewhat  atones  for  this  briefer  season,  and  the  gardens 
of  Maine  can  boast  of  unusual  luxuriance,  in  richness  of 
color  and  size  of  plants,  with  but  little  heat  or  prolonged 
drought  to  affect  their  best  development.  The  hardier 
seeds  sown  in  the  open  will  germinate  in  mid-May;  tender 
annuals  in  June;  the  plants  of  tender  annuals  go  out  soon 
after  June  10.  Daffodils  appear  about  May  15,  followed 
by  late  Tulips;  German  Iris  appears  in  the  week  of  June 
10;  Sweet  WilHam  and  Roses  in  early  July;  Delphinium  in 
mid- July,  and  Hollyhocks  about  July  28.  Late  Phlox  is 
at  its  best  by  mid-August. 

14 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


Thus  the  plants  beginning  to  bloom  near  New  York 
City  in  May  and  early  June  do  not,  on  account  of  the 
colder  spring,  appear  at  Bar  Harbor  for  several  weeks  to 
come,  when  they  unite  their  bloom  with  the  flowers  of 
a  later  period.  The  slow-coming  spring  retards  earlier 
bloom,  but  has  less  effect  on  that  of  midsummer.  The 
summer  residents  owning  gardens  in  Maine  rarely  arrive 
much  before  the  last  of  June,  and  consequently  such  early 
bloomers  as  Tulips,  etc.,  are  not  seen  as  often  as  in  the 
milder  climates.  In  this  northern  State  frost  usually  de- 
stroys the  garden  by  September  15. 

Not  only  is  it  possible  to  grow  all  the  favorite  flowers 
along  the  shore,  but  even  on  the  islands  lying  off  the  coast 
of  Maine  there  are  innumerable  little  gardens,  such  as 
those  at  Isleborough,  which  revel  in  the  moist  sea  climate 
of  midsummer  and  blossom  most  satisfactorily  until  frost. 
At  this  point  it  is  interesting  to  contrast  the  climate  of  the 
North  Atlantic  section  with  the  region  directly  across  the 
continent  along  the  Pacific  coast,  where  at  Vancouver's 
Island,  for  instance,  plant  life  enjoys  a  climate  similar  to 
that  of  England,  with  a  growing  season  quite  as  pro- 
longed. 

There  are  beautiful  gardens  at  Bar  Harbor,  on  the  es- 
tates along  the  shore  as  well  as  farther  inland.  Most  of 
them,  screened  by  fine  growths  of  trees  and  shrubbery 
from  view  of  the  highway,  are  equally  well  protected  from 
sea-winds,  blooming  luxuriantly  in  spite  of  the  fact  that 
not  very  long  ago  the  best  authorities  believed  that  gar- 

15 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


dens  on  this  shore  could  never  prosper.  Two  of  the  most 
noted  at  Mount  Desert  are  shown  in  the  following  pages. 

At  Kenarden  Lodge  the  garden  in  the  clear  atmosphere 
of  this  northern  climate  is  most  beautiful  in  form  and 
coloring,  and  its  background  of  distant  hills  combines  to 
intensify  the  charm  of  this  famous  place,  which  is  in  bloom 
all  summer.  The  centre  beds  are  filled  with  annuals  in 
prevailing  colors  of  pink,  blue,  and  white,  noticeably  Snap- 
dragon, Ageratum,  Sweet  Alyssum,  pink  Geranium,  and 
Begonia.  Planted  in  masses,  these  and  other  dependable 
annuals  blossom  as  long  as  needed.  The  broad  green  sod 
paths  act  as  a  setting  to  the  delicate  hues  covering  the 
beds.  The  perennials  are  banked  against  the  vine-covered 
walls. 

The  Blair  Eyrie  garden  on  the  High  Brook  Road  is 
equally  inviting  and  contains  many  other  attractive  fea- 
tures beyond  the  limits  of  this  restricted  view.  Peace- 
fully retired  behind  its  boundaries  of  trimmed  hedge  and 
dense  woodland,  it  must  always  delight  the  flower  lover. 
Perennials  abound  with  a  good  supply  of  enlivening  an- 
nuals. Its  surroundings  of  evergreen  trees  are  in  strong 
contrast  to  the  brilliant  tones  of  Phlox,  Lilies,  Hydrangeas, 
and  Hollyhocks,  and  this  garden  as  seen  from  an  upper 
terrace  is  a  blaze  of  lovely  color  framed  in  green. 

In  southern  Maine  the  garden  at  Hamilton  House  has 
no  rival  in  that  section  of  New  England.  The  hand  of  an 
artist  has  wrought  a  perfect  scheme  delightfully  in  ac- 
cord with  an  ideal  environment;  but  pictures  cannot  do 

16 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


it  justice.  Within  the  grassy  court  of  the  main  garden  the 
several  small  open  beds  are  filled  with  groups  of  annuals. 
The  rear  beds  contain  tall-growing  perennials  mixed  with 
some  annuals.  There  are  weeks  when  the  garden  is  all 
pink,  and  again  all  blue  and  white.  It  is  surrounded  on 
three  sides  with  most  artistic  pergolas,  from  one  side  of 
which  the  view  down  the  Piscataqua  River  is  a  pictur- 
esque feature.  Stone  steps  on  another  side  lead  to  an 
upper  garden  filled  with  bloom  surrounding  a  quaint  and 
ancient  little  building  kept  as  a  studio.  In  isolation, 
simplicity,  and  ripeness  the  atmosphere  of  the  whole  place 
breathes  of  olden  days,  and  might  well  be  taken  as  a 
model  for  a  perfect  American  garden.  Its  gates  may  be 
seen  in  a  later  section. 


17 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  AND  VERMONT 

Side  by  side,  these  twin  States  have  much  in  common — 
climate,  mountains,  and  old  historical  associations  included. 
Owing  to  the  short,  cool  summers  of  this  latitude  and  alti- 
tude, there  may  be  less  attention  given  to  flowers  than  in 
other  parts  of  New  England.  But  the  few  illustrations  in 
the  following  pages  are  fine  evidences  of  garden  art,  at  least 
in  the  region  of  Cornish,  the  abode  of  artists,  and  where 
gardens  are  plentiful.  The  season  opens  about  four  weeks 
later  than  near  New  York  City,  and  in  early  September 
frost  lays  waste  the  splendid  bloom  while  still  in  its  prime. 
Although  flowers  are  slow  in  appearing,  a  perfection  of 
growth  later  makes  up  for  lost  time.  In  fact,  climatic 
conditions  are  so  favorable  to  summer  plants  that,  once 
started,  the  garden  tasks  are  lighter  than  in  warmer  cli- 
mates, where  drought  and  pests  are  more  prevalent. 

Possibly  the  most  famous  of  Cornish  gardens  is  that 
of  Charles  A.  Piatt,  Esq.,  whose  beautiful  gardens  in  sev- 
eral States  are  numerous  and  noted.  His  own  hillside 
place  is  a  labyrinth  of  flowers,  admirably  suiting  the  en- 
vironment, spacious  and  dignified  in  its  rich  simplicity. 

Perfectly  in  accord  also  with  the  atmosphere  of  this 
mountain  country  is  the  lovely  garden  of  Stephen  Par- 
rish,  Esq.,  delightfully  unique  and  suggesting  a  little  Eng- 
lish garden.  This  enclosure  of  flowers  is  but  a  section  of 
a  broader  plan  where  pool,  grass,  and  trees  are  pleasant 
factors. 

27 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


Mrs.  Hyde's  garden  is  a  mass  of  bloom  composed  chiefly 
of  the  longest-lived  annuals  and  giving  a  charming  color 
effect  to  this  picturesque  spot. 

The  best  gardens  of  Vermont,  with  its  still  greater  area 
of  uplands,  are  probably  those  in  and  around  Manchester 
and  Bennington.  They  are  usually  of  the  simplest  char- 
acter, and  lovely  under  the  personal  care  of  devoted 
owners.  One  worthy  of  special  attention  is  seen  in  the 
view  of  Longmeadow  garden,  which  is  an  example  of  the 
great  value  of  trees  as  a  background,  and  a  strong  argu- 
ment in  their  behalf.  As  a  gem  needs  a  setting,  so  the 
flowers,  in  even  the  most  modest  planting,  are  doubly  fair 
when  framed  in  luxuriant  green. 


28 


Cornish,  N.  H.    Charles  A.  Piatt,  Esq. 


PLATE  7 


From  photographs  by  Jessie  Tarbox  Beats 

Cornish,  N.  H.    Mrs.  George  Rublee 


PLATE  8 


From  a  photograph  by  Jessie  Tarbox  Beats  PLATE  9 

Cornish,  N.  H.    Stephen  Parrish,  Esq. 


From  a  pholozraph  by  Jessie  Tarbox  Bea'.s  PLATE  10 

Cornish,  N.  H.    Mrs.  William  H.  Hyde 


PLATE  11 


Old  Bennington,  Vt.    Mrs.  James  A.  Eddy 


MASSACHUSETTS 

Probably  no  other  section  of  the  Union  contains  as 
many  gardens,  old  and  new,  as  does  this  fertile  State, 
combining  the  advantages  natural  to  the  altitude  of  the 
beautiful  Berkshires  with  the  favorable  climate  of  the 
coast.  People  representing  nearly  every  State  help  to 
form  the  summer  colonies  of  New  England,  more  espe- 
cially in  Massachusetts.  Everywhere  the  luxuriance  of 
bloom  is  very  marked  and  most  noticeable  on  the  coast, 
where  all  plants,  especially  certain  less  long-Uved  annuals 
like  Poppies,  Salpiglossis,  and  Mallows,  reach  their  limit 
of  perfection  and  continue  at  their  best  for  an  unusual  pe- 
riod. In  the  latitude  of  Boston  the  season  starts  two  weeks 
later  than  near  New  York  City,  and  the  gardens,  begin- 
ning in  the  German  Iris  period,  open  about  the  fifth  of 
June.  The  Sweet  William  and  its  contemporaries  follow 
by  late  June;  the  Delphinium  period  is  early  July;  Holly- 
hocks come  about  July  20.  Tender  annuals  can  be  safely 
planted  out  soon  after  June  1. 

The  garden  season  in  the  hill  country  opens  a  few 
days  later  than  at  Boston,  and  in  the  Berkshires  the 
frost  is  apt  to  destroy  the  garden  before  September  20. 
Where  the  thermometer  may  drop  occasionally  to  twenty 
degrees  below  zero,  ample  winter  covering  is  necessary, 
and  snow  adds  its  still  better  protection  to  the  plants 
during  most  of  the  winter  months.  The  average  summer 
heat  is  not  excessive  and,  although  droughts  must  some- 

37 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


times  be  reckoned  with,  the  water  supply  is  generally 
sufficient. 

It  would  be  a  serious  matter  to  attempt  to  name  the 
best  gardens  in  this  State,  for  who  could  judge  where  such 
an  infinite  variety  exists?  At  least  some  of  the  best  ex- 
amples in  photography  can  be  given,  although  each  view 
but  hints  at  the  fuller  beauty  to  be  found  in  the  garden 
itself. 

Of  the  many  wonderful  gardens  in  Massachusetts  pos- 
sibly the  most  remarkable  of  all  is  Weld,  in  Brookline, 
which  is  known  to  gardeners  far  and  wide.  There  is  noth- 
ing in  America  more  extensive  and  more  richly  planted. 
The  numerous  beds  are  filled  with  bloom  for  many  weeks, 
and  each  bed  contains  a  massing  of  one  variety,  whether 
perennials  or  annuals,  which,  when  it  has  finished  flowering, 
is  replaced  by  something  of  another  period.  The  French 
features  in  the  garden  are  prominent  and  the  planting 
may  be  considered  American  in  some  respects  —  altogether 
a  most  pleasant  combination. 

Of  a  distinctly  opposite  type  but  equally  delightful  is 
Holm  Lea,  near  Brookline,  and  a  score  of  photographs 
would  be  necessary  to  depict  this  place  of  flowering  shrubs 
and  perennial  bloom  bordering  the  winding  grass  paths 
leading  from  one  lovely  spot  to  another. 

An  extremely  interesting  and  unusual  type  in  America 
is  the  stately  green  garden  at  Wellesley,  at  this  time 
without  a  rival  in  its  particular  style  of  planting.  Be- 
cause of  its  frequent  appearance  in  various  magazines 

38 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


of  the  country  it  is  too  well  known  to  need  further  de- 
scription. 

Of  still  another  class  and  very  beautiful  is  one  of  the 
most  noted  gardens  in  the  Berkshires  planned  entirely  by 
the  owner  of  Fairlawn,  Lenox.  It  is  a  series  of  formal 
gardens,  in  coloring  and  setting  most  perfectly  devised. 
But  how  useless  a  photographic  description  when  applied 
to  a  combination  of  gardens  spread  over  one  or  two  acres ! 
Several  pools  and  many  old  shade-trees  play  an  important 
part,  and  its  charm  is  still  more  enhanced  by  the  wide  view 
of  the  distant  hills  fitting  so  perfectly  into  the  garden 
scheme. 

Three  fine  illustrations  of  Bellefontaine  but  feebly 
suggest  the  beauty  of  a  place  made  of  splendid  gardens, 
pools,  and  temple,  long  shaded  grass  walks  lined  with 
statuary  and  other  features  of  Roman  art,  blending  with 
the  natural  attractions  of  this  estate.  Gardens,  lawns, 
and  ponds  have  the  rich  woodlands  as  background,  the 
hedges  and  shrubs  are  developed  maturely,  and  everywhere 
there  are  charming  effects  in  "green  life."  Most  of  this 
work,  it  is  interesting  to  add,  has  been  accomplished  under 
the  direction  of  the  owner. 

Picturesque  indeed  are  other  Lenox  gardens,  including 
White  Lodge.  The  latter  place  is  noted  for  its  little  white 
garden  enclosed  in  a  tall  green  hedge,  and  the  main  garden, 
especially  in  June  and  August,  contains  a  delicious  color 
scheme.  Broad  grass  steps  are  another  feature  of  the  place. 
Views  were  not  obtainable  in  time  for  this  volume. 

39 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


At  Fernbrooke  is  found  the  garden  of  an  artist  and 
sculptor,  a  study  in  color  and  in  garden  design  most 
artistically  planned,  but  rambling  enough  to  prevent  a 
connected  view  in  photography.  Golden  Italian  gourds 
pendent  from  the  pergolas;  standard  currant  bushes 
bordering  a  path  and  covered  with  red  berries  as  late  as 
September;  dwarf  fruit  trees  too,  used  decoratively,  are 
among  the  happy  points  of  interest. 

The  scheme  of  the  garden  of  a  famous  sculptor  at 
Chesterwood,  in  Glendale,  is  not  as  dependent  on  flowers 
as  on  the  well-considered  adjustment  of  garden  equipment 
to  the  natural  beauty  of  the  environment.  Sunshine  min- 
gling with  the  shadows  of  the  spreading  trees  plays  its 
part  by  giving  life  and  color  in  changeful  tones  to  the  old 
stone  seat  and  fountain.  The  vine-covered  arch  frames  a 
view  of  the  flower-bordered  path  which  fades  away  into  a 
woodland,  and  these  with  other  sights  gladsome  to  lovers 
of  such  art  have  given  Chesterwood  its  place  in  the  ranks 
of  beautiful  gardens. 

At  Riverside  Farm,  overhanging  the  beautiful  Ty- 
ringham  Valley,  and  possessing  possibly  the  most  wonder- 
ful of  all  Berkshire  views,  is  the  dainty  garden  shown  in 
the  accompanying  illustrations.  It  is  the  work  of  an  artist, 
and  truly  a  place  of  deUght.  The  garden  nestles  to  the 
hillside,  enclosed  in  a  low  stone  wall.  On  one  side  the 
sloping  hill  down  which  winding  rough  stone  steps  de- 
scend to  the  garden;  on  another  side  a  rustic  pergola  and 
pool;  the  third  side  a  line  of  old  apple  trees  overhanging 

40 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


the  wall;  the  fourth  side  contains  the  simple  entrance, 
and  beyond  the  boundaries  on  all  three  sides  —  the  won- 
derful view. 

At  Naumkeag,  Stockbridge,  the  formal  garden  full  of 
bloom,  which  is  part  of  a  larger  plan,  has  a  wide-spread 
reputation.  It  is  especially  noted  for  its  battlement-cut 
hedge,  and  has  as  an  accessory  a  splendid  landscape  back- 
ground, so  common  to  the  Berkshires  and  so  desirable  to 
the  garden  beautiful.  "Naumkeag"  is  the  Indian  name 
for  Salem,  meaning  "Haven  of  Rest." 

Recently  completed  at  Great  Barrington,  the  spacious 
garden  at  Brookside  is  the  best  piece  of  Italian  work  in  this 
section.  The  accompanying  illustration  gives  but  a  faint 
idea  of  its  size,  its  flowers,  and  its  many  other  fine  points. 

The  two  pictures  illustrating  the  garden  at  Overloch, 
Wenham,  and  at  Rock  Maple  Farm,  Hamilton,  are  still 
other  good  examples  of  the  variety  and  charm  of  the 
flower  planting  of  this  coast  State.  Both  of  these  views 
are  unique,  and  in  fact  how  seldom  do  we  find  sameness  in 
gardens ! 

Mr.  Longfellow's  place  at  Cambridge,  Doctor  Weld's  at 
Brookline,  and  The  Witch's  Place  at  Salem  are  typical 
of  New  England  —  the  paths  all  edged  with  Box,  which 
shrub,  on  account  of  frost  blights,  has  never  attained 
great  height.  These  gardens  are  just  simple,  lovable  lit- 
tle places  filled  with  shadows  and  sunshine,  some  flowers, 
and  the  good  scent  of  Box,  which  latter  always  seems  so 
especially  essential  to  old  gardens. 

41 


"  Fairlawn 


PLATE  II 


i 


From  a  pholo^rapli  by  Thomas  Marr  and  Son  PLATE  14 

"Weld,"  Brookline,  Mass.    Mrs.  Larz  Anderson 


From  a  pl/oloi^niph  hy  Wtifis  Bnn. 

Wellesley,  Mass.    H.  H.  Hunnevvell,  Esq. 


PLATE  15 


PLATE  26 

"Riverside  Farm,"  Tyringham,  Mass.    Mrs.  Banyer  Clarkson 


From  a  pfwlograph  iiy  The  J.  Horace  McFarland  Co.  PLATE  33 

Longfellow's  Garden,  Cambridge,  Mass. 


From  a  photograph  by  G.  A.  Spence  PLATE  34 


Old  Witch  House,  Salem,  Mass. 


« 


RHODE  ISLAND 

Limited  space  permits  but  a  suggestion  of  the  various 
types  of  planting  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  which  promises 
to  become  almost  a  continuous  garden  by  the  sea  from 
New  Jersey  to  Maine.  Rhode  Island  contains  some  of  the 
most  magnificent  places  in  the  country,  the  majority  of 
them  situated  near  bay  or  sea,  where  they  thrive  in  con- 
genial environment.  The  quality  of  the  climate  as  it  af- 
fects plant  life  will  be  easily  realized  after  reading  of  the 
climatic  conditions  of  Massachusetts  as  well  as  of  those 
to  the  south,  on  Long  Island,  for  instance. 

The  older  gardens  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of  Provi- 
dence, while  at  Narragansett  and  Newport  those  of  a  later 
period  abound.  Newport  by  the  sea,  more  famous  than 
any  other  American  summer  resort,  naturally  possesses 
the  greatest  number  of  gardens  on  an  elaborate  scale. 
The  coast  at  this  point  is  somewhat  sheltered,  the  air  is 
mild,  and  there  is  sea  moisture  so  beneficial  to  flowers. 
Windbreaks  of  hedges  or  walls  are  used  where  the  winds 
blow  strong  off  the  water. 

Lovely  and  lovingly  planned  is  the  garden  at  Marie- 
mont,  a  poetical  spot,  overflowing  with  color  and  sun- 
shine, yet  with  shadowy  retreats,  and  the  stillness  that 
belongs  to  an  enclosure  of  grass  paths.  It  might  be 
taken  for  a  bit  of  foreign  garden  from  any  part  of  the 
world,  and  possesses  a  quality  of  beauty  of  which  one 
could  never  tire.   The  long,  broad  path  with  its  brilliant 

79 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


border  and  distant  vista  is  the  central  division  of  a 
charming  plan.* 

Few  estates  in  America  are  as  imposing  and  as  sugges- 
tive of  the  grandeur  of  an  Italian  or  English  country-seat 
as  The  Elms,  and  it  is  probably  among  the  oldest  of  New- 
port's famous  places.  The  illustration  is  limited  to  a  nar- 
row view  of  this  great,  green  formal  garden  in  some  sec- 
tions of  which  flowers  are  included  in  rich  profusion. 

Probably  no  place  at  Newport  is  more  noted  for  its 
beauty  than  Vernon  Court,  and,  while  necessity  forces  the 
omission  of  pictures  showing  many  of  its  most  elaborate 
features,  a  view  of  the  stately  formal  garden  is  a  welcome 
addition  to  this  collection  which  aims  to  present  a  variety 
in  types  of  planting  in  a  few  large  formal  gardens,  as  well 
as  in  those  which  are  smaller  and  more  personal.  Vernon 
Court  is  not  a  new  garden;  it  is  unspoiled  by  garish  acces- 
sories, and  to  the  lover  of  the  garden  majestic  it  represents 
a  perfect  type. 

At  Warren,  near  Providence,  the  place  at  Villaserra 
is  delightfully  located,  sloping  to  a  bay.  Here  is  one  of 
the  favored  gardens  where  old  trees  take  an  important 
part;  in  fact,  of  such  consequence  are  they  that  the  gar- 
den was  undoubtedly  made  to  the  scheme  of  the  trees  and 
the  water  beyond  — ■  a  beautiful  sanctuary  of  blossoms  and 
green  life,  shut  in  from  the  discord  of  the  outside  world. 

*  See  also  the  frontispiece. 


80 


CONNECTICUT 


Connecticut  gardens  are  many,  both  inland  and  along 
the  shores  of  the  Sound.  Those  of  the  hilly  western  sec- 
tion have  the  advantage  of  a  somewhat  cooler  altitude. 
Otherwise  it  is  unnecessary  to  give  further  details  as  to 
climatic  conditions,*  as  the  northern  boundary  is  about 
a  hundred  miles  distant  from  northern  New  Jersey  and  the 
temperatures  differ  but  little,  although  of  course  every 
hundred  miles  northward  makes  gardening  a  somewhat 
simpler  proposition,  because  of  slightly  cooler  conditions 
as  well  as  a  shortened  flower  season. 

In  a  reputed  true  story  of  the  long-ago  settlement 
of  Old  Saybrook  there  is  mention  of  a  woman's  flower- 
garden,  doubtless  the  earliest  on  Long  Island  Sound. 
Here  the  sheltered  inlets  and  bays  must  have  seemed 
a  welcome  haven  to  our  Pilgrim  fathers  from  the  wind- 
swept coast  of  Plymouth,  whence  they  had  wandered, 
probably  seeking  fertile  farmland.  The  gardens  of  this 
State,  with  some  notable  exceptions,  are  mainly  those  of 
a  simpler  type,  made  and  tended  by  their  owners,  who 
living  in  them,  will  continue  to  beautify  them  more  and 
more  as  time  goes  on.  These  unpretentious  creations  of 
flower  lovers  often  show  originality  not  always  found  in 
gardens  of  a  more  formal  design,  and  might  be  considered 
typically  American. 

Following  the  idea  of  simplicity,  the  first  two  illustra- 

*  These  climatic  conditions  are  explained  in  New  Jersey  chapter. 

89 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


tions  of  this  chapter  portray  the  "lovesome  spot,"  where 
flowers  predominate,  with  nothing  to  recall  the  splendor 
of  other  lands.  A  place  for  the  harboring  of  flowers  for 
the  sake  of  the  flowers,  and  this  was  surely  the  thought 
that  brooded  over  the  first  New  England  gardens  planted 
in  the  early  half  of  the  seventeenth  century,  when  Amer- 
ican gardens  had  their  beginning. 

The  glimpse  through  the  arched  gateway  of  the  garden 
at  Knock-Mae-Cree  —  in  old  Irish,  Hill  of  My  Heart — ■ 
(Plate  168),  and  the  curtailed  view  of  the  flowery  planting 
in  the  Woodside  garden  stimulate  a  longing  further  to 
penetrate  into  these  lovely  sanctums. 

The  garden  at  Elmwood  is  partly  illustrated  in  the 
accompanying  picture  —  it  is  further  gracefully  adorned 
with  pergola  and  pool.  Liberally  designed  without  being 
elaborate,  it  has  a  charm  that  is  all  its  own. 

Of  quite  another  character  is  the  perfect  formal 
garden  at  Pomfret  Center,  appealing  to  the  garden  lover 
for  its  surpassing  beauty  in  flower  bloom,  enhanced  by  the 
graceful  architectural  lines  of  the  buildings  surrounding 
the  enclosure,  and  giving  it  the  sense  of  complete  privacy. 

Still  another  type  of  garden  seen  occasionally  in  Amer- 
ica is  that  at  Branford  House,  a  magnificent  estate  at 
Groton  near  New  London,  and  one  of  the  famous  places  of 
that  popular  summer  resort.  This  stately  garden  suggests 
some  of  the  foreign  gardens  familiar  to  us  through  travel 
and  books. 


90 


PLATE  42 

'Branford  House,"  Groton,  Conn.    Morton  F.  Plant,  Esq. 


IV 


NEW  YORK 

There  are  gardens,  old  and  new,  around  the  many 
wealthy  cities  of  this  great  State,  through  the  upper  sec- 
tion, near  Buffalo,  Utica,  Syracuse,  Albany,  etc.,  as  well 
as  to  the  south.  It  must  suffice  to  give  a  few  of  the 
most  picturesque  views  obtainable,  almost  all  of  which  be- 
long to  places  within  one  hundred  miles  of  New  York  City. 

The  garden  at  Auburn  offers  a  vision  of  flowers  in 
glorious  profusion,  combined  with  perfect  order,  which 
latter  condition  is  not  always  easily  attainable  when  plants 
are  allowed  a  certain  amount  of  freedom.  The  location  of 
this  garden,  in  western  New  York  not  far  from  Lake 
Ontario,  is  in  about  the  latitude  of  northern  Massachusetts 
—  a  climate  congenial  to  flowers. 

A  particular  type  of  garden  often  predominates  in  some 
localities  on  account  of  the  conformation  of  the  land;  as, 
for  instance,  in  a  mountainous  section  like  Tuxedo  Park, 
where  the  places  are  scattered  over  hilly  woodland  country, 
many  of  the  gardens  naturally  develop  into  those  of  ter- 
races, or  else  ideal  opportunities  have  created  the  ram- 
bling wild  garden  with  winding  paths,  shaded  pools,  ferns 
and  flowers.    A  glimpse  of  one  of  this  kind  is  to  be  had  in 

99 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


an  accompanying  illustration  —  an  exquisite  bit  of  semi- 
cultivated  wildness  that  moves  one  to  wish  to  see  beyond 
the  picture's  limits. 

Among  its  formal  gardens,  Tuxedo  at  present  has 
nothing  more  imposing  than  the  one  at  Woodland.  The 
wall-beds  contain  perennials  in  mass  against  the  vine- 
clad  background,  and  the  central  fountain  is  framed 
in  broad  beds  of  Roses,  in  bush  and  standard  form.  This 
garden's  stately  effects  are  enhanced  by  the  richly  de- 
veloped forms  of  clipped  evergreens  in  Boxwood  and  va- 
rious Retinosporas,  to  all  of  which  age,  as  must  ever  be 
the  case,  lends  force  and  dignity. 

The  Cragswerthe  garden,  a  spacious  plan  on  three 
connecting  terraces,  charmingly  exemplifies  the  results 
obtainable  by  the  exercise  of  good  taste  upon  desirable 
opportunities.  Each  terrace  illustrates,  in  harmony  with 
the  whole,  a  special  beauty  of  its  own. 

The  hill  gardens  usually  have  also  the  advantage  of  a 
landscape  background,  as  a  rule  a  pleasant  feature  also  in 
the  Mount  Kisco  region  of  Westchester  County,  with  its 
numerous  hilltop  homes.  A  garden  with  a  view  possesses 
a  setting  all  its  own;  one  that  can  hardly  be  imitated  in 
that  particular  landscape  at  least,  varying  under  the  chang- 
ing clouds,  and  therefore  never  monotonous.  Such  also  is 
the  opportunity  in  many  Hudson  River  places,  and  only 
those  who  have  hved  in  the  highlands  by  this  most  beauti- 
ful of  American  rivers  know  the  charm  of  the  mountain- 
sides, with  their  deep  ravines  and  river  vistas. 

100 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


There  is  space  for  but  a  few  of  the  river  gardens  in  these 
limited  pages.  The  one  at  Blithewood,  Barrytown-on- 
Hudson,  is  a  charming  example  of  a  more  modern  gar- 
den, beautifully  located  and  planted  especially  for  May, 
June,  and  September.  A  vine-covered  brick  wall  sur- 
rounds it  on  three  sides,  and  a  terra-cotta  balustrade  is 
the  boundary  on  the  river  side.  Chinese  Junipers,  not  sup- 
posedly very  hardy,  are,  however,  the  well-grown,  clipped 
evergreens  in  sight.  Barrytown  is  about  a  hundred  miles 
from  New  York. 

Up  on  the  Beacon  Mountain  the  Wodenethe  gardens 
were  begun  about  seventy-five  years  ago,  remaining  ever 
since  in  the  same  family,  and  always  celebrated  for  their 
beauty,  due  doubtless  to  the  devoted  and  skilful  care  con- 
tinuously given  them.  Trees,  shrubs,  and  vines  are  rich 
in  maturity;  the  impress  of  Father  Time  has  so  kindly 
marked  the  place,  that  of  the  older  gardens  Wodenethe  is 
probably  the  finest  on  the  Hudson. 

Not  far  away  there  was  once  another  garden.  Possibly 
there  is  nothing  fairer  than  the  dearest  memories  of  child- 
hood —  sometimes  doubtless  wonderfully  interwoven  with 
the  gossamer-like  stuff  of  which  air-castles  are  made  — 
and  so  it  is  with  deep  satisfaction  that  the  author  can  dwell 
upon  views  of  an  old  garden  relying  on  something  more 
real  than  semi-dreams.  To  be  able  to  duplicate  this  happy 
place  for  some  other  fortunate  children  would  be  a  joy  in- 
deed, and  some  day  the  opportunity  may  be  realized 
while  the  dream  still  lives.    Nearly  three  acres  of  land 

101 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


might  be  required  to  contain  the  broad  beds  bordered  with 
peach,  plum,  pear  trees  and  shrubs,  and  edged  with  flowers 
—  the  great  centre  spaces  filled  with  vegetables  or  small 
fruits.  The  outer  court  of  this  garden,  on  three  sides,  was 
formed  by  two  rows  of  arching  apple  trees,  as  shown  in  an 
accompanying  illustration.  The  fourth  side  was  a  lane 
running  between  an  evergreen  hedge  and  a  line  of  Poplar 
and  nut  trees.  The  outer  walks  were  broad,  the  inner  in- 
tersecting paths  were  narrower;  the  tall  planting  in  the 
various  beds  prevented  a  view  from  one  path  to  another, 
and  this  was  half  of  the  garden's  fascination  to  the  children 
who  played  there  in  the  games  of  make-believe.  Always 
there  was  something  unexpected  awaiting  them  around  the 
corner.  Blissful  the  chance  to  become  suddenly  lost  in 
grape  vines,  corn,  or  dense  shrubbery  when  the  world 
seemed  to  consist  of  just  tree- tops,  sunlight,  flowers,  fruits, 
and  birds!  What  a  contrast  to  the  life  of  the  average 
fortune-favored  child  of  the  present  period ! 

Echo  Lawn  is  another  lovely  place  near  the  river,  as 
old,  too,  as  Wodenethe,  extensive  in  acres,  abounding  in 
splendid  trees,  and  full  of  a  beauty  and  charm  peculiarly 
characteristic  of  the  old  places  on  the  Hudson.  The  gar- 
dens, although  of  a  later-date  creation,  are  admirably 
fitted  to  the  surroundings,  and  with  pools,  wall  basins, 
and  flower  planting,  hardly  discernible  in  the  illustration, 
are  a  rich  addition  to  the  noted  river  places. 

Twenty  miles  to  the  west  of  the  Hudson  River  is 
Meadowburn   Farm  —  famous   through   its   owner,  the 

102 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


author  of  "Hardy  Garden"  books.  Two  photographs, 
not  hitherto  pubHshed,  must  alone  represent  the  acres  of 
bloom  on  this  interesting  place.  In  describing  it,  eight 
gardens  must  be  considered  rather  than  the  garden.  The 
Evergreen  Garden  (shown  here),  the  May  Flowering 
Hillside,  the  Lily  and  Iris  Garden,  the  Pool  Garden,  the 
Perennial  Garden,  the  Cedar  Walk,  the  Vegetable  Garden, 
bordered  with  flowers,  and  the  Rose  Garden.  A  rare 
treat  for  garden  lovers  who  visit  there  by  special  arrange- 
ment. 

At  Ridgeland  Farm,  in  Westchester  County,  the  owner 
has  shown  that  the  smallest  garden  possible  when  fitted  to 
artistic  surroundings  and  filled  with  harmonious  bloom  can, 
as  a  garden  and  as  a  picture,  satisfy  our  craving  for  the 
beautiful  quite  as  completely  as  a  subject  on  a  much  larger 
scale.  This  fair  little  plot,  with  its  brick  paths  and  gay 
blossoms,  continues  in  bloom  for  several  months,  which,  in 
spite  of  narrow  beds,  is  always  possible  in  a  well-planned 
and  carefully  tended  garden. 

New  York  includes  within  its  borders  the  climate  of  all 
the  New  England  States,  and,  besides,  the  atmosphere  of 
its  lake  shores  and  the  milder  sea  climate  of  New  York 
City  and  Long  Island.  Between  the  high  altitudes  of  the 
Adirondacks  on  the  north  and  the  sea-level  of  Long  Island 
on  the  south  there  is  a  difference  of  nearly  four  weeks  in 
the  opening  of  spring.  Within  a  forty-mile  radius  of  New 
York  City  and  westward  in  the  same  latitude  Daffodils 
appear  about  April  15;  early  Tulips  and  Phlox  divaricata 

103 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 

the  last  of  April;  late  Tulips  May  10;  Lilies-of-the-Valley 
May  15;  German  Iris  May  22  (florentina  alba  a  trifle 
earlier);  and  by  May  25  Lupins,  Columbine,  Pyrethrum 
hybrid,  and  Oriental  Poppies,  etc.,  arrive;  Roses,  Peonies, 
etc.,  about  June  1;  Sweet  William,  Anchusa,  and  their 
companions  June  5;  Campanula  medium  June  15;  Del- 
phinium June  20;  Hollyhocks  July  1  or  a  few  days  earlier. 
At  the  eastern  end  of  Long  Island  Tulips,  Lily-of-the- 
Valley,  Roses,  shrubs  and  tree  foliage  appear  about  a 
week  later  than  the  same  near  the  city  of  New  York.  In 
our  extremely  variable  climate  it  is  impossible  to  have 
fixed  dates  for  the  opening  of  bloom.  It  must  depend  upon 
whether  spring  is  early  or  late,  which  sometimes  causes  a 
difference  of  a  week  or  ten  days  in  the  appearance  of  the 
flowers.  Lily-of-the- Valley  and  German  Iris  seem  less 
affected  by  variable  springs  than  other  plants.  It  is  per- 
fectly safe  near  Manhattan  Island  to  plant  out  tender 
annuals  May  25,  and  many  venture  it  by  May  15.  Kill- 
ing frost  may  be  expected  between  October  1  and  Novem- 
ber 1  —  rarely  earlier  than  October  1. 

Forty-five  miles  north  of  the  city  of  New  York,  in 
such  higher  altitudes  as  Mount  Kisco  or  Tuxedo  Park,  the 
spring  opens  about  a  week  later.  Within  this  radius  of 
the  city  the  summer  thermometer  occasionally  rises  above 
seventy-eight  degrees,  and  in  winter  it  may  average  pos- 
sibly thirty  to  forty  degrees  above  zero;  only  a  few  days 
know  zero  weather,  and  rarely  does  it  drop  below.  At  least 
once  a  winter  there  will  come  a  period  of  weather  as  mild 

104 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 

as  fifty  to  sixty  degrees,  when  one  almost  fears  the  prema- 
ture appearance  of  some  of  the  plants.  It  is  on  account 
of  the  thaws  as  well  as  the  cold  that  the  plants  require 
a  moderate  covering  to  keep  the  ground  as  far  as  possible 
frozen  hard  and  undisturbed  by  the  sun,  as  frequent  thaw- 
ing injures  the  roots. 

A  garden  at  the  other  extreme  of  the  State,  in  the  Adi- 
rondack Mountains,  planted  to  begin  with  early  Tulips, 
Phlox  divaricata,  and  others  of  this  period,  will  make  its 
display  about  June  1.  Lilies-of-the-Valley  arrive  soon  after 
June  8;  German  Iris,  Lupin,  Pyrethrum,  Oriental  Poppy 
about  June  15;  Sweet  William  and  Roses  near  July  1; 
Delphinium  July  15;  Hollyhocks  July  25.  Tender  annuals 
are  planted  out  about  June  10,  and  a  frost  after  that  date 
is  of  rare  occurrence.  The  first  killing  frost  of  autumn 
may  be  expected  between  the  15th  and  20th  of  September. 
While  the  thermometer  in  summer  fluctuates  between  sixty 
and  eighty  degrees,  it  often  falls  in  winter  to  thirty  degrees 
below  zero.  The  hardy  plants  are  well  protected  under  the 
heavy  snow  covering  which  is  usually  the  winter  condition 
there. 


105 


Auburn,  N.  Y.    Mrs.  C.  D.  MacDougall 


PLATE  44 


"Woodland,"  Tuxedo,  N.  Y.    Henry  L.  Tilford,  Esq. 


PLATE  47 


PLATE  52 

The  centre  section 


PLATE  53 

The  outer  boundary 
The  author's  childhood  garden,  Newburgh-on-Hudson,  N.  Y. 


LONG  ISLAND,  NEW  YORK 

In  considering  the  gardens  belonging  to  the  State  of 
New  York,  its  most  favored  garden  centre  is  undoubtedly 
Long  Island.  Here  soil  and  climate  combine  to  encourage 
both  vegetables  and  flowers.  And  on  the  shores,  particu- 
larly of  the  south  side  and  eastern  end,  the  most  satisfac- 
tory bloom  is  obtainable  as  a  rule  with  less  trouble  than  is 
expended  upon  the  flowers  of  the  interior.  Not  that  Long 
Island  is  secure  from  periods  of  drought  and  visitations  of 
rose-bugs,  but  on  the  whole  the  plants  weather  the  obstacles 
better  here  than  in  other  places  of  this  latitude.  There  is  a 
marked  softness  in  the  winter  climate  especially  near  the  sea. 
Possibly  nowhere  else  except  in  southern  California  does 
the  Privet  hedge  make  as  remarkable  growth  as  on  the 
south  shore,  and  near  the  west  end  there  are  highly  prized 
specimens  of  old  Box.  Southampton,  at  the  eastern  end, 
in  proportion  to  population  has  probably  a  greater  number 
of  gardens  than  any  town  in  the  State,  almost  all  of  them 
designed  and  developed  by  their  owners,  who  have  thus 
delightfully  expressed  their  love  for  flowers. 

Most  soul-satisfying,  unique  in  many  points,  and  over- 
flowing with  bloom  all  summer  is  Mrs.  Wyckoff^s  garden 
at  Southampton.  Within  three  hundred  yards  of  the 
beach  it  is  truly  a  seaside  garden,  but  the  great  Privet 
hedges,  fourteen  feet  high,  make  perfect  windbreaks  for 
the  protection  of  its  bloom.  Connected  by  arched  open- 
ings in  the  Privet  there  are  other  enclosures  for  various 

127 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


planting  schemes,  and  noticeable  is  the  rather  unusual 
variety  of  flowers  growing  in  these  several  lovely  gardens. 
The  color  grouping  in  the  long,  broad  beds  against  the  tall 
Privet  background  is  as  perfect  as  any  planting  known. 
The  arbors  on  either  side  of  the  garden  proper  are  formed 
of  arches  of  Dorothy  Perkins  and  Cedar  trees  alternating  — ■ 
the  Cedars  are  bent  and  strapped  at  the  top  to  produce 
a  curve.    The  effect  is  both  unusual  and  delightful. 

In  the  same  place  but  farther  from  the  sea  is  another 
famous  garden,  at  The  Orchard,  the  estate  of  James  L. 
Breese,  Esq.  The  garden  was  started  about  1905  and  is 
entirely  original  in  design.  The  artistic  sense  of  the 
owner  is  responsible  for  the  dexterous  touches  which 
beautify  the  garden  and  pergolas.  Neither  photography 
nor  word -picture  could  do  justice  to  the  exquisite  harmony 
of  coloring  throughout  this  wonderful  place,  where  bloom 
is  continuous  over  a  long  period. 

Fashioned  in  Box-edged  parterres  after  the  old-time 
plan  and  dear  to  the  heart  of  Americans  is  such  a  place 
as  the  sunny  Box  garden  at  The  Appletrees,  so  charm- 
ingly portrayed  in  this  chapter.  There  is  a  sweetness  and 
trimness  in  its  simplicity  intermingling  with  the  flowers  to 
make  it  one  of  the  fairest  of  garden-plots. 

We  dwell  with  delight  upon  the  picturesque  view  of 
a  section  of  Mrs.  Curtis's  garden  which  might  well  have 
been  taken  from  an  English  garden,  so  closely  does  it 
resemble  that  type  which  has  been  our  inspiration  more 
especially  during  the  last  ten  years.    In  America  the 

128 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


walled  garden  is  found  to  be  useful  near  the  sea,  and  not 
undesirable  in  the  cooler  northern  interior,  but  by  many 
experts  it  is  not  advised  in  a  warm  climate,  where  it  pre- 
vents the  free  circulation  of  air  within  its  enclosure,  from 
which  condition  some  plants  may  suffer. 

In  the  near-by  hamlet  of  East  Hampton,  Mrs.  Lorenzo 
Woodhouse  has  an  ingenious  scheme  of  connecting  formal 
gardens  that  are  as  remarkable  in  conception  as  they  are 
exquisite  in  color  harmony.  In  length  the  plan  is  con- 
siderably greater  than  the  width,  and  the  long  vista  from 
end  to  end  presents  to  the  artist's  eye  a  lovely  picture  of 
flowers,  pool,  and  arches. 

Near  by,  on  Huntting  Lane,  the  wild  garden  belonging 
to  R.  Cummins,  Esq.,  is  considered  the  best  piece  of  work  of 
its  kind  in  the  country.  It  is  wonderfully  composed  with 
natural  pools  and  streams,  tea-houses  and  rustic  bridges 
suggestive  of  the  Japanese  art,  yet  lovelier  than  the  trim 
Oriental  type  of  water  garden  because  so  delightfully  wild 
and  overgrown  with  massive  plants,  vines,  and  shrubs, 
without,  however,  being  disorderly  in  appearance.  It  is 
an  especially  rare  treat  in  early  July  at  the  season  of 
Japanese  Iris. 

At  the  west  end  of  Long  Island,  near  New  York,  gar- 
dens are  almost  as  plentiful  as  those  in  the  region  of  the 
Hamptons.  For  lack  of  space  the  illustrations  of  the 
lovely  garden  at  Manor  House,  Glen  Cove,  and  the  pic- 
turesque pool  at  Cedarhurst  must  alone  represent  this 
section.    Later  periods  of  bloom  succeed  the  Tulips  at 

129 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


the  Manor  House,  giving  continuous  color  all  summer  to 
this  charming  place.  The  view  of  Mr.  Steele's  garden  at 
Westbury  is  a  fine  example  of  an  ideal  hillside  planting 
leading  to  the  flower-beds  on  a  lower  level. 

Probably  the  oldest  garden  in  New  York  State  is  the 
one  at  Sylvester  Manor,  on  Shelter  Island,  between  the 
shores  of  Long  Island  and  Connecticut.  This  charming 
little  flower-plot  is  reached  by  a  short  flight  of  descending 
steps.  Some  of  its  old  Boxwood  appears  in  the  illustra- 
tion of  the  pool  which  is  a  part  of  the  garden  scheme.  The 
original  owners  of  Shelter  Island  were  the  Manhasset  In- 
dians. "In  1651  Nathaniel  Sylvester  came  from  England 
with  his  young  bride,  and  here  they  planted  the  Box,  still 
one  of  the  wonders  of  the  place,  and  erected  the  first  manor- 
house  with  its  oak  doors  and  panels  and  mantels  fitted  in 
England,  and  brick  tiles  brought  from  Holland.  The  pres- 
ent house  was  built  in  1737  with  enough  of  the  woodwork 
of  the  old  house  to  maintain  symmetry  in  traditions,  and 
stands  to-day  as  it  has  stood  the  better  part  of  two  cen- 
turies, filled  with  its  old  furniture,  paintings,  and  curios. 
Here  is  kept  the  cloth  of  gold  left  by  Captain  Kidd  and 
many  other  things  that  time  and  space  forbid  mentioning." 
The  old  homestead  has  always  remained  in  the  family  in 
direct  descent. 


130 


From  photographs  by  Miss  Johnston — Mrs.  Hewitt 

East  Hampton,  L.  I.    Mrs.  Lorenzo  E.  Woodhouse 


PLATE  66 


The  wild  garden 


PLATE  68 


From  photographs  hy  Miss  Johnsloii   Mi  .II<\,',ii  PLATE  69 

The  wild  garden 

East  Hampton,  L.  I.    Stephen  Cummins,  Esq. 


PLATE  72 

Westbury,  L.  I.    Charles  Steele,  Esq 


From  photographs  by  The  J.  Horace  McFarland  Co.  PLATE  73 


"Manor  House,"  Glen  Cove,  L.  I. 


V 


NEW  JERSEY 

It  would  take  much  time  and  long  travel  to  discover 
the  State  possessing  the  greatest  number  of  fine  gardens, 
but  there  is  little  risk  of  misstatement  in  placing  New 
Jersey  as  fourth  or  fifth  on  the  list;  New  York,  including 
Long  Island,  in  the  lead,  then  Massachusetts,  and  possibly 
Pennsylvania  or  California  next.  Near  the  sea  the  cli- 
mate is,  of  course,  an  especial  incentive  to  flower-grow- 
ing, and  along  the  Jersey  coast,  especially  in  Monmouth 
County,  there  are  numerous  gardens.  Many  excellent 
specimens  are  to  be  seen  at  Princeton,  Trenton,  Short 
Hills,  and  Morristown,  as  well  as  in  the  country  around 
Bernardsville,  in  all  of  which  places  garden  clubs  are 
rapidly  developing  the  cult.  Only  about  fifty  miles  sepa- 
rate Trenton,  Princeton,  and  Monmouth  Beach,  in  central 
Jersey,  from  Morristown,  Short  Hills,  etc.,  at  the  north, 
so  that  spring  gardens  practically  begin  in  both  sections 
at  the  same  time,  with  possibly  not  more  than  three 
or  four  days'  difference  between  them.  While  the  south 
Jersey  soil  does  not  always  encourage  gardening,  the 
northern  half  of  the  State  may  be  considered  on  the  whole 
quite  fertile,  and  the  summer  temperature  is  not  too  hot 
for  flowers.    Occasional  droughts  are  to  be  expected,  but 

155 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


the  water-supply  is  usually  adequate.  In  the  northern  part 
of  the  State  the  usual  date  for  Crocuses  is  March  25 ;  Daf- 
fodils, April  15;  Lily-of-the-Valley,  May  12;  late  Tulips, 
May  10;  German  Iris,  May  22;  Oriental  Poppy,  Colum- 
bine, Lupin,  and  Pyrethrum,  May  26;  Roses,  Peonies,  An- 
chusa,  and  Sweet  William,  early  June;  Delphiniums,  June 
20;  Hollyhocks,  July  1.  In  fact,  the  climatic  condition, 
as  it  affects  plant  life,  is  very  similar  throughout  the 
region  surrounding  New  York  City  —  not  different  enough 
to  require  special  attention. 

The  beautiful  garden  at  Glen  Alpine  is  one  of  pro- 
longed bloom  from  May  22  until  frost,  and  its  planting 
plans  are  shown  in  the  author's  "Continuous  Bloom  in 
America."  Both  English  and  Italian  inspiration  commin- 
gle in  this  beautiful  spot.  Its  setting  of  old  trees  on  three 
sides,  with  the  upsloping  hill  to  the  rear  covered  with 
choice  blossom  trees  and  evergreens,  as  well  as  the  ancient 
hedge,  furnish  a  background  in  keeping  with  the  dignity 
of  the  place.  The  pergola  is  only  the  beginning  of  an  in- 
teresting upper  shrub  and  bulb  garden  with  rambling 
paths.   Other  views  are  given  in  plates  86  and  172. 

At  Cherrycroft,  the  garden  also  blooms  continuously, 
and  some  of  its  plans  are  likewise  given  in  the  book 
above-mentioned.  The  pergola  and  tea-house  lead  out 
to  a  maze  formed  by  a  tall  Arbor- Vitse  hedge.  Adjoining 
is  a  Rose  garden,  more  or  less  continually  in  bloom,  and 
near  by  a  garden  for  cutting-flowers.  The  outlook  over 
the  formal  garden,  both  from  house  and  pergola,  is  upon 

156 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


a  sea  of  flowers,  possibly  unequalled  in  its  profusion  of 
bloom.  The  four  beds  encircling  the  pool  are  first  covered 
with  Pansies  and  English  Daisies,  each  bed  containing  one 
large  clump  of  German  Iris,  edged  with  Cottage  Tulips. 
For  later  bloom,  white  Petunias  fill  two  beds,  light  pink 
Petunias  the  other  two  beds.  Surrounding  the  rim  of  the 
pool  there  are  Campanula  medium,  alternating  with  fall- 
sown  Larkspur,  the  former  replaced  by  Balsam.  The  four 
large  beds  opposite  the  pool-beds  are  planted  in  predom- 
inating tones  of  yellow,  blue,  pink,  and  dark  red  respec- 
tively, with  white  freely  intermixed.  The  beds  on  the 
upper  level  are  treated  rather  similarly. 

At  both  Glen  Alpine  and  Cherrycroft  nurseries  of  cold- 
frames  abundantly  supply  the  many  annuals  and  peren- 
nials required  to  fill  the  broad  beds.  The  prevailing  colors 
required  in  both  gardens  are  pink,  dark  red,  blues,  and 
yellows.  Of  the  latter,  the  stronger  tones  are  used  only  in 
yellow  and  blue  beds.  If  there  is  strict  adherence  to  their 
planting  schemes  the  richness  of  their  bloom  will  continue 
through  future  seasons.  But,  alas !  how  uncertain  the  ful- 
filment, when  the  most  necessary  flowers  may  disappoint 
at  the  eleventh  hour,  or  the  gardeners  fail  to  abide  by  the 
plans,  especially  concerning  the  color  scheme! 

At  Ridgewood  Hill  the  planting  is  for  spring  and  au- 
tumn bloom,  and  its  three-terraced  garden  is  an  excellent 
piece  of  work,  nestling  to  the  hillside  with  its  vista  of  hills 
beyond.  This  lovely  nook  deserves  to  rank  among  the 
best  in  terraced  gardens. 

157 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


Mrs.  Eraser's  garden,  enclosed  within  the  semicircle 
of  the  house  and  a  curving  Hemlock  hedge,  is  veri- 
tably a  gem  in  lovely  color-blending.  All  the  periods  of 
the  garden  season  are  represented  here,  difficult  as  it  is 
to  accomplish  continuous  bloom  in  narrow  beds.  First 
Pansies  and  early  Tulips,  followed  by  the  later  ones,  flood 
the  little  court  with  wonderfully  tinted  tones.  Then  Lu- 
pins, Canterbury  Bells,  Sweet  William,  Chinese  Delphin- 
ium and  Lilium  candidum,  followed  by  Larkspur,  Zinnia, 
Snapdragon,  Scabiosa,  Salpiglossis,  Heliotrope,  Ageratum, 
and  compact  Petunias,  Gladioli,  and  September  hardy 
Chrysanthemum.  Constant  ministration  to  the  needs  of 
this  garden  keeps  it  in  a  state  of  fresh  bloom  and  order. 

The  garden  at  "Onunda,"  Madison,  attracts  many 
visitors  and  has  long  been  famous  for  its  beauty  and  order. 
It  is  ablaze  with  color  from  May  to  October.  Annuals  in 
richest  massing  fill  all  the  small  beds,  and  perennials  with 
annuals  are  closely  grouped  in  the  wall  beds.  The  color 
effect  is  unusual  and  the  adjoining  Rose  garden  is  com- 
plete with  choicest  bloom. 

The  planting  at  Blairsden,  near  Peapack,  is  probably 
the  most  perfect  in  the  State.  The  accompanying  pictures 
give  a  limited  idea  of  its  beauty.  The  hill  covered  with 
wild  shrubs  sloping  to  the  lake,  the  formal  garden,  the 
water  garden  and  Rose  garden,  with  the  long  inclined  path- 
way seeming  to  lead  out  to  space  immeasurable  into  the 
green  Garden  of  Everyman,  combine  with  the  scenery  to 
make  it  a  place  of  remarkable  beauty.    The  formal  garden 

158 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


with  vine-covered  brick  wall  is  like  the  villa,  Italian  in 
design. 

The  numerous  gardens  of  Short  Hills  must  be  repre- 
sented by  one  charming  glimpse  of  Brooklawn,  an  idyllic 
spot  embodying  the  creative  sense  of  a  poet.  Its  design 
is  quite  unusual  in  the  garden  world,  and  perfect  in  its 
simplicity.  Informal  rather  than  strictly  formal,  with 
beds  of  curving  lines  and  grass  paths  it  may  be  considered 
the  most  original  plan  in  this  collection. 

Old  Princeton,  with  its  picturesque  university,  is  ad- 
ditionally favored  in  possessing  gardens  worthy  of  such 
associations  and  equalling  the  best  in  our  country.  The 
one  at  Drumthwacket  is  probably  more  reminiscent  of 
English  gardens  than  any  other.  The  broad  beds,  pro- 
fuse in  glowing  yet  orderly  bloom,  are  especially  lovely  in 
June.  The  garden  has  the  benefit  of  ancient  trees  as  a 
setting  and  the  richness  of  its  planting  combined  with  the 
white  balustrade  lends  a  noble  effect,  comparing  favorably 
with  many  of  those  abroad.  The  beautiful  water  garden, 
reached  by  a  winding  stone  stairway,  is  encircled  by  willows 
and  forest  trees  which  fill  the  little  lake  with  green  reflec- 
tions. 

A  winter  garden  is  a  luxury  so  rare  that  one  dwells 
with  keenest  pleasure  upon  the  view  from  Thornton  —  a 
most  perfect  specimen  of  its  kind.  This  evergreen  plant- 
ing is  the  central  scheme  of  an  elaborate  plan  and  divides 
the  perennial  and  Rose  garden  on  one  side  from  the  "cut- 
ting" garden  on  the  other.    The  best  of  the  evergreens  in 

159 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


clipped  forms,  Barberry  with  its  bright  winter  berries, 
Laurel,  and  Rhododendron  foHage  unite  to  enliven  the 
winter  scene  in  this  pleasant  space,  when  outside  all  is 
gray  and  lifeless. 

Mrs.  Seabrook's  garden  belongs  to  still  another  dis- 
tinctly different  class,  illustrating  a  planting  which  appeals 
strongly  to  the  many  Americans  who  ardently  admire  sim- 
plicity in  outdoor  art.  Here  we  find  a  sweet  place  in  which 
to  live  in  idle  hours,  with  favorite  flowers  well-kept,  a  pool, 
and  shaded  retreats  from  summer  sun. 


160 


From  a  photograph  by  Parker  Brothers  PLATE  86 

"Glen  Alpine,"  Morristown,  N.  J.    Mrs.  Charles  W.  McAlpin 


VI 


PENNSYLVANIA 

The  most  zealous  advocate  of  gardening  in  the  early 
days  was  William  Penn,  the  original  proprietor  of  the 
State,  who  persistently  urged  his  Quaker  followers  to 
plant  gardens  around  the  homesteads.  With  numerous 
old  ones  and  an  ever-increasing  number  of  new  gardens 
the  State  stands  among  the  foremost  as  a  garden  centre. 
In  olden  times  the  Quaker  ideas  against  extravagant  ap- 
pearances resulted  in  the  making  of  simpler  places  than 
those  built  by  the  people  who  settled  in  the  Southern 
States;  but  these  modest  Pennsylvania  gardens  did  not 
suffer  the  ravages  of  war,  and  many  of  them  have  lived 
serenely  through  the  years. 

Andalusia  came  into  the  possession  of  the  family  of  its 
present  owners  in  1795,  and  a  village  has  gradually  grown 
around  the  place.  The  garden  is  about  one  hundred 
years  in  age,  and  has  been  long  noted  for  its  trees  and 
hedges,  its  fruits  and  old-fashioned  flowers.  The  simplic- 
ity of  its  plan,  so  characteristic  of  the  early  gardens,  de- 
tracts nothing  from  its  charm,  but  rather  is  it  filled  with 
picturesque  features  that  are  truly  American. 

At  Fancy  Field  the  formal  garden  is  made  somewhat 

187 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


on  the  plan  of  a  type  of  small  English  garden  that  is  be- 
coming familiar  to  us  through  the  English  prints.  This 
formal  view  is  but  one  of  a  group  or  series  of  lovely  en- 
closed and  connecting  gardens,  all  seemingly  bound  to- 
gether by  a  long  pergola  bordering  their  rear; — -a  most 
pleasing  study,  as  is  also  the  garden  at  Edgecombe,  with 
its  old  Box  and  perennials,  shut  in  peacefully  from  the 
outer  world  and  suggesting  the  type  so  dear  to  the  heart 
of  the  lady  of  the  olden  time. 

Krisheim  was  the  name  given  by  some  early  German 
settlers  in  1687  to  a  locality  where  is  now  a  famous  gar- 
den. This  beautiful  enclosure,  in  its  spring  garb,  so  unique 
in  style,  and  with  an  adjoining  flower  garden,  has  its  place 
among  the  best  of  the  many  that  adorn  the  State. 

The  garden  at  Willow  Bank  is  a  charming  home  of 
flowers,  and  its  attraction  is  enhanced  by  the  spacious 
green  court  surrounding  it,  giving  double  privacy  to  the 
flowery  sanctum  within. 

Typical  of  some  of  the  splendid  newer  gardens  of  the 
State  is  the  one  at  Timberline,  rich  in  its  background  of 
old  trees,  gracefully  designed  and  planted.  It  is  one  of 
the  best  productions  of  a  celebrated  architect. 

The  Ballygarth  garden,  a  section  of  which  is  shown  in 
this  chapter,  is  beautifully  situated  on  one  of  the  oldest 
estates  near  Philadelphia,  and  is  of  the  kind  so  evidently 
the  creation  of  a  garden  lover. 

Near  Philadelphia  the  climate  is  slightly  warmer  than 
in  north  New  Jersey,  to  which  spring  bloom  comes  at 

188 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


least  a  week  later.  In  this  vicinity  German  Iris  appears 
about  May  15,  Sweet  William,  May  28,  and  Delphiniums, 
June  10,  Hollyhocks,  June  18.  The  time  of  the  first  frost 
is  as  variable  as  it  is  elsewhere.  Pansies  are  usually  win- 
tered in  the  open,  with  a  certain  amount  of  covering. 
Tender  annuals  are  set  out  about  May  10.  The  soil  is 
mostly  fertile  enough  for  good  results  in  the  garden.  The 
best-known  gardens  lie  chiefly  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Philadelphia. 


189 


PLATE  90 

Andalusia,  Pa.    Mrs.  Charles  Biddle 


VII 


MARYLAND 

Flower  gardens  adorn  many  of  the  places  in  Mary- 
land, most  of  them  of  the  old-fashioned  kind  so  char- 
acteristic of  the  Southern  States,  and  others  of  a  more 
recent  date.  The  latter,  though  less  elaborate  than  those 
of  New  England,  are  quite  as  attractive  in  the  studied 
simplicity  of  their  design. 

Conspicuous  often  are  the  Ivy-edged  paths  some- 
times replacing  the  low  Box  border,  and  the  great  growths 
of  Box  and  rare  shrubs,  once  imported  luxuries  from  old 
England,  speak  the  prosperity  of  early  days. 

In  the  low  country  of  the  interior  the  midsummer  cli- 
mate is  humid  and  hot  enough  to  discourage  the  flowers  of 
this  season,  but  when  certain  annuals  are  kept  sufficiently 
moist  and  mulched  they  may  pass  unscathed  through  the 
trying  season  and  join  the  few  fall  perennials  for  several 
weeks  of  bloom. 

Winter  protection  is  not  a  matter  of  importance  and 
Pansies  need  but  an  ordinary  covering  of  leaves.  An  ex- 
treme of  cold,  which  is  rare,  might  bring  disaster  to  the 
leaf-covered  Canterbury  Bell  in  the  open,  but  this  is  one 
of  the  gambles  in  garden  life. 

205 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


In  Maryland,  as  generally  elsewhere  in  this  section, 
spring  and  June  gardens  prevail.  The  Crocus  season 
opens  in  early  March;  Daffodils  follow  a  little  later;  late 
Tulips  and  German  Iris  come  near  May  1;  Sweet  William 
and  Peonies  about  May  20;  and  soon  after  the  Delphin- 
iums and  Hollyhocks  appear.  Spring  work  begins  three 
weeks  earlier  than  in  the  latitude  of  Long  Island,  and 
frost  may  finish  the  persistent  Marigold  near  November  1 ; 
but,  as  elsewhere,  by  that  time  green  life  has  had  its  day, 
vitality  has  been  spent,  and  nothing  satisfactory  can  be  ex- 
pected of  any  but  the  hardy  late  Chrysanthemum. 

There  is  another  region  of  this  State  to  be  separately 
accounted  for  that  has  been  more  or  less  overlooked,  and 
where  the  climate  is  more  inviting  to  summer  gardening. 
From  near  Snow  Hill,  on  the  narrow  peninsula  south  of 
Delaware,  a  resident  writes  in  part:  "As  to  this  eastern 
shore,  its  flowers,  climate,  etc.,  too  much  cannot  be  said  in 
its  praise.  The  wonder  is  that  this  section  has  been  over- 
looked by  wealthy  people  seeking  homes.  With  proper 
planting  one  can  have  flowers  in  the  garden  ten  months 
of  the  year.  During  the  winter  Holly  and  other  choice 
evergreens  give  plenty  of  color  for  the  lawns."  The  dis- 
tance across  between  the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  sea  is 
about  thirty-five  miles.  Near  the  shore  the  place  has  a 
climate  of  its  own,  and  summer  gardens  need  not  wilt 
as  they  do  inland,  providing  they  can  at  times  be  mod- 
erately sprinkled.  Usually  the  summer  climate  is  pleas- 
ant with  an  evening  sea-breeze  in  hot  weather;  some- 

206 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


times  a  prolonged  dry  spell  causes  many  things  to  suffer, 
but  as  a  rule  all  sorts  of  flowering  plants  succeed  —  Roses, 
China  Asters,  and  bulbous  plants  especially  grow  to  per- 
fection. 

The  illustrations  representing  Maryland  are  gathered 
from  the  vicinity  of  Baltimore,  the  particular  garden 
region  of  the  State.  Hampton  is  the  oldest  of  them  all, 
being  an  entailed  estate  and  one  of  two  old  manor-houses 
in  Maryland  still  extant.  A  severe  cold  snap  a  few  win- 
ters past  did  great  damage  to  the  Box,  which  in  conse- 
quence had  to  be  cut  back,  but  time,  it  is  hoped,  may 
restore  its  original  form  and  beauty.  The  spring  view  of 
one  of  Hampton's  gardens  was  taken  recently  prior  to  the 
period  of  fullest  bloom.  This  charming  Box-edged  parterre, 
with  its  fine  surroundings  and  associations,  is  possibly  the 
best-known  in  the  South. 

Evergreen-on- Avenue  is  delightfully  located  on  the  out- 
skirts of  Baltimore,  where  many  old  country-seats  abound. 
The  lower  garden  only  is  discernible  in  the  illustration, 
showing  the  dignity  and  charm  of  an  evergreen  gar- 
den, relieved  by  a  massing  of  color  in  narrow  beds  which 
form  a  setting  to  the  clipped  Box  and  other  shrubs. 
The  upper  garden  is  full  of  bloom  and  kept  chiefly  as  a 
place  for  cutting-flowers.  Some  of  the  paths  on  this  es- 
tate are  edged  with  broad  bands  of  Ivy. 

The  wild  garden  at  Roland  Park  is  a  work  of  art  too 
intricately  devised  to  be  treated  satisfactorily  by  picture 
or  pen.    The  eye  can  only  absorb  and  memory  retain  it, 

207 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


but  description  will  ever  fail  to  present  it.  At  every  turn 
there  is  a  delightful  surprise,  at  every  season  it  is  lovely; 
even  January  finds  it  so  dressed  in  evergreen  that  winter 
seems  far  away.  A  few  years  ago  the  hillside  was  a 
wooded  and  abandoned  stone-quarry  until  purchased  for 
the  purpose  of  creating  a  place  of  beauty  out  of  chaos. 
An  inspired  imagination  only  could  have  wrought  this 
miracle. 

The  old  Indian  name  for  the  Cylbum  plantation  was 
Cool  Waters;  it  covers  two  hundred  acres,  about  five 
miles  beyond  Baltimore.  Cylburn  House  is  of  stone  with 
broad  verandas,  and  stands  majestically  on  a  high  plateau, 
surrounded  by  gardens,  shrubbery,  and  an  extensive  lawn, 
which  is  fringed  by  a  beautiful  primeval  forest  that 
stretches  away  on  three  sides  to  the  valley  below.  The 
garden  is  one  of  the  old-fashioned  rambling  kind,  made 
lovely  with  a  combination  of  tall  shrubs  and  flowers  and 
occasional  trees. 

The  fair  little  glimpse  of  a  section  of  the  garden  at 
Ingleside  breathes  of  spring  perfume  and  color,  with  that 
indescribable  sense  of  peace  pervading  especially  a  little 
enclosed  garden  where  good  taste  and  harmony  prevail. 
So  great  is  the  impression  of  seclusion  produced  by  the 
attractive  picture  that  the  farmer's  cottage  in  the  near 
background  seems  almost  disconnected  from  this  inviting 
spot.  The  four  white  standard  Wistarias  are  remarkable 
enough  to  demand  special  attention.  The  beds  are  early 
filled  with  the  Tulips  of  both  periods,  blooming  in  com- 

208 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


pany  with  the  Wistaria.  Annuals  follow,  and  the  place 
is  kept  in  long  bloom  under  the  careful  supervision  of  the 
owner. 

At  The  Blind,  Havre  de  Grace,  on  the  Chesapeake,  is 
a  charming  and  typically  Southern  garden  with  ancient 
Box  hedges  for  a  background,  and  filled  with  the  bloom 
of  many  old-fashioned  hardy  plants  and  shrubs.  The 
property  of  two  hundred  acres  is  partly  under  cultivation 
and  partly  covered  with  Holly  and  ancient  trees.  Around 
the  gray  stone  mansion  in  springtime  the  place  is  like  a 
fairy-land,  with  hundreds  of  blossoming  shrubs  and  fruit 
trees.  Originally  the  land  belonged  to  the  Stumpp  family, 
who  acquired  it  by  grant  from  one  of  the  early  English 
governors.  It  is  now  in  the  possession  of  a  New  Yorker, 
who  keeps  it  as  a  shooting-preserve  and  stock-farm. 


209 


PLATE  VII 


Roland  Park,  Baltimore,  Md.    Mrs.  Edward  Bouton 


PLATE  102 

Ingleside,"  Catonsville,  Md.    Mrs.  A.  C.  Ritchie 


VIII 


VIRGINIA 

Virginia  was  the  first  of  the  States  to  adopt  a  luxuri- 
ous mode  of  living.  Its  early  men  and  women,  so  recently 
English,  were  not  many  of  them  of  the  strictly  Puritan 
type,  but  rather  the  ease  and  pleasure  loving  class,  and 
shortly  their  fertile  plantations,  developed  by  countless 
slaves,  yielded  rich  results,  and  Virginia,  followed  soon 
by  the  neighboring  States,  became  famous  for  homes  and 
gardens  on  an  extensive  scale. 

One  of  the  earliest  and  best  of  these  estates  was  Mount 
Vernon,  so  well  preserved  and  yet  so  familiar  as  not  to 
need  an  introduction  or  even  a  space  in  this  book.  Bran- 
don, Westover,  Shirley,  Berkeley,  Castle  Hill,  and  others 
on  the  River  James,  as  well  as  some  of  the  splendid  places 
in  the  "hill  country,"  have  been  renovated  in  recent  years 
and  should  be  considered  among  the  treasures  of  America. 

Mr.  William  du  Pont  is  the  fortunate  present  owner  of 
Montpelier,  the  home  of  President  Madison,  in  Orange 
County,  and  situated  between  Charlottesville  and  Rich- 
mond. This  splendid  garden  was  planned  by  Mr.  Mad- 
ison soon  after  1794.  To  quote  Mr.  Capen:*  "On  the  plan 

*  "  Country  Homes  of  Famous  Americans." 

219 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


of  our  House  of  Representatives,  it  is  made  in  a  series 
of  horseshoe  terraces  leading  down  to  a  flat  rectangular 
stretch  of  ground.  The  walk  from  the  entrance  to  the 
garden  passes  first  under  a  charming  rustic  arbor,  and 
then  through  a  dense  Box  hedge  in  which  some  of  the 
bushes  have  grown  so  high  that  their  branches  form  an 
arch  overhead  .  .  .  and  when  one  emerges  from  the  arch 
of  Box  he  finds  spread  before  him  in  panorama  the  entire 
garden  .  .  .  the  Box-edged  aisle  down  its  centre  and 
every  bed  in  flower.  ...  It  must  have  been  a  rare  gar- 
den, for  trees  and  shrubs  sent  to  Mr.  Madison  by  admirers 
from  all  over  the  world  were  jealously  guarded  and  nur- 
tured." 

At  Rose  Hill  the  terraced  garden,  with  its  distant  view 
of  hills  and  valley,  is  among  the  best-known  places  of  this 
section.  Here  the  flowers,  most  carefully  tended,  bloom 
considerably  during  the  period  from  April  to  October, 
which  is  unusually  prolonged  for  a  Southern  garden. 
Flowering  plants  and  clipped  evergreens  border  the  broad, 
grassy  terraces  and  an  air  of  simple  stateliness  pervades 
this  charming  Virginia  garden. 

Delightful  indeed  is  the  spacious  formal  garden  at 
Meadowbrook  Manor,  on  the  James  River.  So  cleverly  ar- 
ranged is  the  combination  of  trees  and  flowers  that  the 
latter  do  not  suffer  from  near  association  with  the  trees  — 
many  of  which  are  evergreens  combining  with  the  Box 
border  to  gladden  the  winter  garden  with  summer  green, 
and  giving  the  livable,  homey  sense  to  this  lovely  enclosure 

220 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


in  summer-time.  In  the  old  days  the  property  was  known 
as  Sequin  and  belonged  to  relatives  of  Sir  Thomas  Gates 
of  the  same  name.  Upon  this  land  in  1619  were  operated 
the  first  iron-works  in  the  country. 

Characteristic  of  the  gardens  of  the  older  period  is  the 
lovely  view  of  the  garden  on  the  Valentine  place  over- 
grown and  ripe  as  only  a  garden  can  be  that  has  lived 
through  the  years;  unpretentious,  yet  richer  in  that  mel- 
lowed growth  than  the  most  costly  planting  of  modern 
date. 

In  Virginia,  mountains  cover  a  part  of  the  State,  and 
the  temperature  necessarily  varies  according  to  locality. 
The  climate,  at  least  of  Albemarle  County,  brings  out 
the  Crocuses  in  February  or  early  March;  winter  Jessa- 
mine in  early  February,  sometimes  January;  Daffodils  in 
mid-March;  Lily-of-the-Valley  and  Cottage  Tulip  early 
in  April;  German  Iris  in  mid- April.  Roses  and  Sweet 
William  appear  in  early  May;  Delphinium  in  late  May; 
Hollyhocks  in  early  June;  Phlox,  July  1.  And  thus  before 
midsummer's  heat  many  of  the  best  hardy  perennials  have 
come  and  gone.  While  summer  bloom  in  the  highlands  is 
not  necessarily  destroyed  by  hot  weather,  unless  unusual 
drought  occurs,  yet  the  autumn  garden  is  apt  to  be  a  more 
refreshing  sight  with  its  fresh  crop  of  Roses,  the  late 
Chrysanthemum,  Cosmos,  and  indefatigable  Zinnia.  Of 
course  to  the  south,  and  where  altitude  is  lacking,  the 
somewhat  higher  temperature  will  more  or  less  alter  these 
garden  dates. 

221 


PLATE  106 

Montpelier,  Va.    Mrs.  William  du  Pont 


PLATE  107 

Montpelier,  Va.    Mrs.  William  du  Pont 


IX 


SOUTH  CAROLINA 

There  are  few  new  gardens  in  South  Carolina,  but  an 
untold  number  of  old  ones  deserving  to  be  revived.  Around 
Charleston,  especially,  old-time  mansions,  quaint  walls, 
and  gateways  abound  that  are  an  inspiration  to  lovers 
of  graceful  antiquities.  To  restore  an  abandoned  garden 
must  be  indeed  a  joy  to  one  with  enough  imagination  to 
recreate  flower  places  fitted  to  the  surroundings. 

The  illustrations  in  this  chapter  give  some  idea  of  the 
richness  of  the  early  gardens  laid  out  by  the  wealthy  owners 
of  many  generations  past.  Magnolia-on-the-Ashley,  con- 
sidered by  some  as  one  of  the  world's  most  beautiful  sights, 
especially  in  springtime,  is  the  most  famous  place  in  the 
State.  It  is  owned  by  Colonel  Drayton  Hastie,  who  in- 
herited it  from  his  grandfather,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Dray- 
ton, an  Episcopalian  minister,  in  whose  family  it  had  re- 
mained since  the  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  century.  In 
the  days  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Drayton  it  was  discovered 
that  the  garden  had  been  laid  out  over  land  containing 
extremely  valuable  phosphate  deposits,  but  neither  he  nor 
his  descendants  would  have  the  place  disturbed  for  the 
sake  of  an  increased  fortune,  and  the  garden  continues  as 

235 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


it  was,  the  delight  in  early  spring  of  visitors  from  all 
over  the  world.  To  quote  one  who  resides  near  by:  "The 
garden  first  came  into  notice  about  a  hundred  years  ago. 
In  spite  of  all  the  cultivation,  it  still  suggests  the  heart  of 
the  forest,  with  the  old  Oak  and  gray  moss  and  wild  flowers 
mingling  with  Cherokee  Roses,  Jessamine,  etc.  These  Mag- 
nolia gardens  are  not  only  wonderfully  beautiful,  but,  I 
believe,  quite  unique.  The  great  show  is  not  Magnolias, 
or  even  the  Camellias,  although  they  are  lovely  —  but  the 
Azaleas,  which  grow  in  such  profusion  and  variety  of 
shades  that  one  loses  all  sense  of  individual  plant  and 
flowers  and  perceives  only  glowing,  gleaming  masses  of 
color  veiled  by  festoons  of  gray  moss,  giving  one  a  deli- 
cious feeling  of  unreality,  almost  enchantment.  In  Owen 
Wister's  'Lady  Baltimore'  there  is  a  beautiful  description 
of  Magnolia.  The  coloring  on  the  post-cards  is  not  in  the 
least  exaggerated."  Live  Oaks  over  two  centuries  old 
draped  with  gray  moss  suspended  from  the  branches !  This 
wonderful  growth  is  not  an  uncommon  sight  in  the  South- 
em  States. 

Columbia,  the  capital,  has  the  famous  Preston  garden, 
and  for  many  generations  this  beautiful  property  remained 
in  the  families  of  the  Hamptons  and  Prestons.  By  a 
marriage  a  century  ago  the  Hampton  estate  came  into  the 
possession  of  the  Prestons,  and  for  many  years  the  stately 
garden  with  its  aged  Box  and  shade  trees,  its  choice  shrubs 
and  plants,  has  been  an  object  of  veneration  to  garden 
lovers.   A  descendant  writes:  "There  is  no  interest  of  im- 

236 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


portance  attached  to  the  past  history  of  the  Preston  place, 
except  that  it  has  sheltered  quite  well  known  persons  in  its 
day,  Henry  Clay,  Thackeray,  and  Miss  Martineau  among 
others,  for  its  owner  had  acquaintances  among  prominent 
people  in  this  country  as  well  as  abroad,  and  delighted  in 
showing  them  hospitality  when  they  happened  in  his 
neighborhood."  After  the  war  it  shared  the  fate  of  al- 
most all  the  other  Southern  estates  that  could  no  longer 
be  maintained  as  in  former  years,  and  finally  became  a 
woman's  college,  and  once  more  receives  the  needed  care. 

In  the  low  coastal  country,  including  Charleston,  spring 
opens  in  February  with  Camellias,  Daffodils,  and  bulbs. 
German  Iris  appears  at  Charleston  soon  after  March  15, 
Phlox  in  June.  Delphinium  and  Hollyhock  and  some 
others  do  not  thrive  in  this  section.  The  flowers  that 
are  carried  over  for  autumn  bloom  are  hardy  Chrysan- 
themum, with  Cosmos,  Salvia,  Marigolds,  and  Zinnias,  and 
a  few  others  able  under  care  to  resist  the  summer  heat. 
Frost  may  come  by  November  15,  but  in  winter  thin  ice 
forms  only  about  three  times,  with  the  thermometer  at 
twenty-five  degrees.  White  Camellias  sometimes  begin  to 
blossom  at  Christmas  time.  Such  is  the  climate  of  this 
level.  In  the  higher  regions  of  the  State  climatic  condi- 
tions are  somewhat  different  and  the  summer  heat  is  not 
as  extreme. 


237 


Preston  Garden 


PLATE  115 


X 


GEORGIA  AND  FLORIDA 

Summer  gardens,  on  account  of  the  climate,  are  not  at- 
tempted in  the  States  of  the  far  South;  but  as  popular 
winter  and  spring  resorts  the  grounds  at  these  seasons 
about  the  villas  and  hotels  are  adorned  with  Palms,  Roses, 
and  other  plants  adapted  to  the  climate.  Charming  spring 
gardens  in  formal  designs  are  found  in  Georgia,  where, 
because  of  its  somewhat  cooler  climate  and  better  soil, 
there  are  a  greater  number  of  private  estates  than  in  Flor- 
ida. The  former  State  doubtless  suffered  more  than  any 
other  in  the  Civil  War  and,  consequently,  enforced  neglect 
of  the  old  gardens  brought  ruin  to  most  of  them.  At  pres- 
ent some  of  the  finest  places  in  Georgia  are  delightfully 
located  outside  of  the  larger  towns,  and  many  gardens, 
some  new  and  others  renewed  after  a  half-century  of  obliv- 
ion, adorn  the  home  grounds  of  those  who  are  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  reside  here  at  the  most  favored  seasons. 

The  illustrations  of  the  gardens  at  Green  Court  are 
fair  samples  of  the  extensive  planting  in  many  places. 
Spring  bulbs  begin  to  open  in  this  lovely  spot  by  the  middle 
of  February,  Camellias  often  come  in  January,  German 
Iris  appears  the  middle  of  March,  Delphiniums  in  April. 

247 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


In  Georgia  the  summer  heat  finishes  most  of  the  bloom, 
and  few  would  venture  with  autumn  flowers.  "The 
Roses,  however,  when  well  tended,  rest  during  summer 
to  bloom  gloriously  again  in  October  and  until  the  time 
of  light  frost,  which  comes  in  December."  The  interior 
of  the  larger  garden  at  Green  Court,  surrounded  with  its 
splendid  outer  court,  is  more  spacious  than  the  glimpse 
through  the  gateway  would  suggest.  The  charm  of  this 
enclosure,  like  Southern  hospitality,  is  a  combination  of 
bountifulness  and  grateful  simplicity.  Green  Court  de- 
serves to  stand  as  a  representative  garden  of  its  State. 

With  an  almost  similar  climate  the  adjoining  State 
of  Alabama  has  its  gardens  also,  but,  unfortunately,  pho- 
tographs are  not  now  available. 

Palms  of  every  description  are  the  characteristic  plants 
of  Florida.  The  State  is  generally  flat  and  open,  but  in 
the  north  the  country  is  more  wooded,  often  wild  and 
swampy,  with  picturesque  winding  little  rivers  meander- 
ing to  the  coasts. 

The  conditions  in  the  populous  districts  of  Louisiana 
and  Texas  are  so  similar  to  Florida,  where  gardens  are 
concerned,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  use  further  space  in 
describing  plant  life  in  these  States. 


248 


XI 


TENNESSEE  AND  MISSOURI 

From  Tennessee  the  following  description  of  its  gar- 
den life  is  agreeably  presented:  "Here  in  the  South  inter- 
est in  this  subject  is  always  increasing.  We  have  many 
old  and  beautiful  gardens  full  of  sentiment.  The  mistress 
of  the  place  is  always  head  gardener,  and  in  no  instance 
does  she  relinquish  her  position  to  another.  I  am  filled 
with  enthusiasm  in  garden  matters,  and  would  preach 
the  gospel  of  the  garden  to  all  women." 

Daffodils  appear  in  February,  Lilies-of-the-Valley  and 
Cottage  Tulips  in  mid-April,  German  Iris  soon  after. 
The  droughts  of  midsummer  may  injure  but  not  neces- 
sarily destroy  the  flowers.  The  winter  thermometer  oc- 
casionally falls  to  twenty  degrees  above  zero  in  the  cooler 
districts,  and  such  plants  as  Snapdragon  and  Campanula 
medium  are  more  safely  wintered  in  a  slat-frame.  But 
winter  once  over  the  tender  annuals  can  be  put  out  as 
early  as  April  25.  These  conditions  apply  almost  equally 
to  the  neighboring  States  of  Kentucky  and  North  Caro- 
lina, having  as  well  their  records  for  old-time  gardens. 

The  planting  at  Rostrevor  speaks  delightfully  for  the 
many  others  belonging  to  this  section  of  the  South.  This 

255 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


garden,  filled  with  Lilies  and  other  blossoms,  shows  that 
the  Southern  woman  is  as  truly  a  flower  lover  as  were  they 
who  planted  the  early  gardens  in  the  days  before  the  war. 

What  more  tantalizing  to  the  garden  devotee  than  the 
glimpse  beyond  the  gates  of  Longview  garden  as  illus- 
trated in  this  chapter,  and  again  in  a  later  section?  Such 
views  as  these,  so  exceedingly  artistic  in  themselves,  sug- 
gest a  still  more  lovely  interior,  at  present  withheld  be- 
cause adequate  photographs  are  lacking. 

In  Missouri,  as  in  Kansas  and  elsewhere  in  the  Middle 
West,  there  is  great  variableness  of  climate  from  year 
to  year,  and  never  is  it  an  ideal  district  for  summer  flower 
gardens.  While  much  attention  is  being  given  to  shrub- 
bery and  perennial  beds  bordering  the  lawn,  there  are  few 
actual  gardens,  formal  or  otherwise.  The  discourage- 
ments of  a  trying  summer  climate  limit  the  bloom  in 
most  of  the  places  to  the  flowers  of  spring  and  June. 
Early  flowering  plants  and  bulbs,  German  Iris,  Foxglove, 
Canterbury  Bells,  Columbine,  Peonies,  LiHum  candidum, 
Roses,  and  Hollyhocks,  give  considerable  satisfaction. 
But  many  other  perennials  are  not  at  all  permanent.  To 
quote  an  experienced  amateur  gardener:  "The  climate  of 
Kansas  City,  Missouri,  is  subject  to  every  eccentricity, 
and  at  times  is  very  trying.  One  of  my  experiences  was 
a  four  or  five  inch  snow-storm  on  the  3d  of  May  after  a 
month  of  warm  spring  weather,  when  German  Iris  and 
many  other  things  were  in  full  bloom,  and  Peonies  in 
bud.    Everything  was  mashed  down  and  then  it  froze. 

256 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


Often  when  Peonies  have  been  in  bloom  torrential  rains 
have  nearly  ruined  them.  The  greatest  trouble  with  the 
summer  garden  is  the  extreme  heat  and  dryness  of  the 
air.  The  earth  can  be  kept  moist  around  the  plants, 
but  many  things  wither  in  the  dry  air.  With  the  greatest 
care  a  garden  of  annuals  might  be  kept  looking  fairly  well 
through  July  and  August,  but  I  am  glad  to  get  away  from 
mine  early  in  July." 

The  climate  of  these  adjoining  Middle  States  is  prac- 
tically the  same  throughout,  with  possibly  even  more 
sunshine  than  in  the  eastern  States.  "In  May  and  June 
there  are  frequent  heavy  showers,  but  rarely  all-day  rains. 
In  the  later  summer  and  autumn  cloudy  days  are  excep- 
tional. The  eastern  side  of  Missouri  is  said  to  be  slightly 
cooler  than  the  western  part;  Kansas  City  averages  a 
somewhat  higher  summer  temperature  than  Washington, 
D.  C,  which  is  in  the  same  latitude.  Spring  bulbs  and 
many  spring  perennials  appear  three  weeks  earlier  than 
near  New  York  City."  The  gardens  usually  look  spent 
by  September,  but  in  the  cooler  sections,  with  an  extra 
amount  of  summer  care,  there  may  be  still  seen  flowers 
sufficient  to  adorn  a  garden  during  some  weeks  of  autumn. 

The  garden  at  Hazelwood,  near  St.  Louis,  is  laid  out 
with  curving  grass  paths  and  broad  beds.  The  bright 
display  begins  with  Daffodils,  and  the  beds  retain  rich 
bloom  into  the  middle  of  June.  In  September,  after  good 
care.  Marigolds,  Zinnias,  Snapdragon,  Cosmos,  hardy 
Asters,  Chrysanthemum,  and  Helenium  are  the  autumn 

257 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


decorations.  Frost  usually  finishes  everything  about  Octo- 
ber 15.  The  winter  temperature  is  often  ten  degrees  be- 
low, and  the  tender  plants,  like  Foxglove  and  Pansies, 
are  more  safely  wintered  under  slat-frames  covered  with 
straw,  and  Larkspurs  should  have  a  light  covering  of  leaves. 
Surely  the  gardens  that  are  faithfully  tended  through  such 
changes  and  chances  of  climate  as  found  in  this  section  be- 
speak the  highest  degree  of  devoted  patience. 


258 


XII 


ILLINOIS  AND  INDIANA 

Illinois,  with  its  claim  to  countless  fine  estates,  in- 
cludes a  plentiful  share  of  gardens,  and  more  especially 
in  the  lake  region,  where  luxuriant  growths  of  trees  tell  of 
congenial  soil  and  climate.  As  a  background  the  great 
lake  stretches  like  a  sea  beyond  many  of  the  beautiful 
flower-borders,  which  bloom  almost  as  richly  as  those  near 
the  distant  ocean. 

Unfortunately  some  of  the  finest  plantings  are  not 
illustrated  in  this  book,  which  is  limited  to  gardens  of  a 
formal  design,  and  the  type  characteristic  of  Illinois  is 
mostly  informal,  as  so  frequently  seen  in  America,  —  an 
arrangement  which  does  not  lend  itself  satisfactorily  to 
photography.  In  such  a  plan  the  flowers  are  usually 
massed  in  long,  broad  beds  bordering  the  lawn,  the  front 
lines  are  laid  in  irregular  curves,  with  trees  and  shrubs 
for  the  background.  Groups  of  shrubs  with  other  beds 
are  sometimes  used  to  break  a  wide  stretch  of  lawn,  and 
make  a  rambling  and  delightful  sort  of  garden  scheme. 
But  in  photography  detail  is  lost  when  the  camera  is  at 
sufficient  distance  to  include  more  than  a  small  section  of 
such  a  design.   For  this  reason  pictures  can  never  do  full 

265 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


justice  to  the  flower  planting  on  such  notable  places  as 
those  of  Albert  N.  Day,  Esq.,  Lake  Forest;  Wm.  C.  Egan, 
Esq.,  Egandale,  Highland  Park;  George  Higginson,  Esq., 
Meadow  Farm;  and  W.  G.  Hibbard,  Esq.,  both  at  Win- 
netka,  and  many  others. 

The  spring  display  of  late  Tulips  at  Highland  Park 
and  Lake  Forest  is  especially  remarkable.  Masses  of  Dar- 
wins  and  Cottage  varieties  in  perfect  color  blending  are 
planted  everywhere,  in  the  woods,  in  shrubbery,  and  in 
borders. 

The  illustration  of  the  formal  garden  at  Lake  Forest, 
owned  by  Harold  McCormick,  Esq.,  gives  a  vivid  idea  of 
the  form  and  finish  of  this  charming  place,  which  must 
always  stand  among  the  best  of  middle  West  gardens, 
well  favored  in  the  beauty  of  its  surrounding  trees  and 
generously  planted  with  perennials  and  shrubs.  It  has 
the  charm  of  individuality  rather  uncommon  to  large 
gardens,  and  stands  for  that  welcome  type  which  seeks 
to  be  itself. 

Hardin  Hall  garden,  with  the  great  lake  as  a  back- 
ground, has  recently  joined  the  ranks  of  beautiful  Ameri- 
can gardens.  Every  new  garden  is  as  a  jewel  added  to 
the  crown  of  its  State,  and  this  little  gem  in  planting  is 
noted  throughout  the  North  Shore.  Stepping-stones  in 
the  grass  lead  to  another  green  enclosure,  designed  on  a 
less  formal  plan,  —  the  whole  scheme  being  most  artistic- 
ally conceived. 

The  climate  near  the  lake  is  slightly  cooler  than  in 

266 


\ 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


other  localities,  spring  opening  from  one  to  two  weeks 
later  than  inland.  The  difference  in  time  of  spring  bloom 
on  this  shore  and  near  New  York  City  is  only  about  a 
week.  The  climate  on  the  lake  front  is  especially  variable. 
The  country  is  a  flat  upland  broken  with  wooded  ravines. 

Out  in  central  Illinois,  in  Piatt  County,  there  are  fif- 
teen thousand  acres  belonging  to  a  famous  estate  beyond 
Monticello.  The  Farms  contains  delightful  gardens  on 
an  extensive  scale,  quite  English  in  design,  and  as  far  as 
possible  in  keeping  with  the  Georgian  architecture  of  the 
house.  Juniper  Hibernica  is  freely  used  over  the  main 
garden,  enriching  with  its  deep  evergreen  tones  the  broad 
expanse  of  flower-bordered  beds.  The  walls  are  covered 
with  Chinese  Wistarias,  Japanese  Honeysuckle,  trained 
peach  trees,  nectarines,  pears,  and  plums. 

Monticello  is  in  the  latitude  of  Philadelphia;  the 
blooming  dates  almost  correspond,  but  frost  destroys  a 
trifle  earlier.  The  highest  summer  thermometer  rarely 
reaches  one  hundred  degrees,  sometimes  dropping  in  win- 
ter to  twenty-seven  degrees  below.  Tender  annuals  can 
usually  be  planted  out  after  May  15.  Mulching  and 
watering  is  necessary  to  preserve  the  summer  bloomers. 

Famous  in  the  annals  of  southern  Indiana  is  the  large 
estate  at  Lexington  known  as  Englishton  Park,  and  for 
six  generations  the  property  of  the  English  family. 

Problems  of  insufficient  rain,  poor  soil,  and  rocky 
ground  have  been  overcome  by  most  scientific  measures, 
and  now  a  pool  filled  with  Lilies  and  bordered  with  water- 

267 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 

loving  plants  is  a  feature  of  a  wonderful  rock  garden 
abundantly  and  tastefully  planted  with  the  perennials 
most  suitable  for  rocks  or  for  moisture.  The  Rose  garden 
near  by  and  long  path  leading  to  the  house,  bordered  with 
beds  of  perennials,  are  further  delightful  tributes  to  the 
devoted  labor  of  one  who  has  spent  much  time  on  this, 
her  gladdest  task. 


268 


"The  Farms 


PLATE  126 


The  rock  garden,  "  Englishton  Park 


PLATE  128 


PLATE  129 

The  rock  garden,  "Englishton  Park,"  Lexington,  Ind.    Mrs.  W.  E.  EngHsh 


XIII 


OHIO 

The  difference  is  slight  between  the  climate  of  Ohio 
and  other  States  of  its  latitude  in  the  East  and  middle 
West.  While  there  is  no  mountainous  region,  northern 
Ohio  has  the  advantage  of  a  great  lake  as  its  border.  On 
a  line  with  central  Connecticut,  the  temperature  of  Cleve- 
land is  similarly  favorable  to  flower  growing,  and  garden 
enthusiasts  are  increasing.  Like  most  of  the  Middle 
States,  the  country  is  rather  flat  and  the  soil  fertile  as  a 
rule.  But,  except  on  the  lake  shore,  the  gardens  suffer 
more  or  less  from  the  hot  weather  and  scarcity  of  mois- 
ture. 

In  the  northern  half  of  Ohio  spring  bulbs  appear  si- 
multaneously with  those  in  northern  New  Jersey,  and  the 
later  plants  follow  in  the  same  succession.  The  southern 
half  of  Ohio  is  in  the  latitude  of  Maryland  and  its  climatic 
conditions  are  almost  similar.  The  spring  and  June  gar- 
dens in  the  middle  West  give  the  best  satisfaction.  The 
climate  is  variable,  as  it  is  elsewhere  throughout  the 
country. 

One  charming  illustration  conveys  some  idea  of  the 
garden  at  Gwinn,  which  is  eight  miles  from  Cleveland, 

277 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


and  undoubtedly  the  most  notable  in  this  State.  By- 
early  April  the  spring  garden  blooms  with  Hepatica,  Cro- 
cus, Chionodoxa,  Scilla,  Sundrops,  Pansy,  English  Daisy, 
Spring  Beauty,  Bloodroot,  Trillium,  Cypripedium,  Violet, 
Tulip,  Hyacinth,  and  Daffodil,  followed  soon  by  many 
later  garden  favorites.  Sufficient  water  is  supplied  to 
carry  the  bloom  safely  through  midsummer  and  Septem- 
ber, and  year  by  year  the  beauty  of  this  garden  is  increas- 
ing with  the  maturing  of  its  trees  and  shrubbery,  and  all 
that  tends  to  complete  the  dignity  of  so  noble  a  design. 

So  artistically  wrought  are  all  the  various  features  con- 
tributing to  the  beauty  of  the  Clifton  garden  that  choice 
of  illustrations  is  made  difficult  when  selection  is  limited 
to  so  few.  This  fact  explains  the  omission  of  the  little 
flower  garden  which  even  though  charming  must  give  place 
to  the  accompanying  remarkable  views. 

Not  far  from  Cleveland  Shadyside,  on  the  lake,  is  an- 
other place  of  interest  to  flower  lovers,  and  here  a  small 
formal  garden  has  been  recently  completed  in  addition  to 
the  older  water  garden.  This  delightful  spot  is  worthy  of 
particular  attention  not  only  on  account  of  the  variety 
of  plants  adorning  its  banks,  but  for  its  picturesque  set- 
ting as  well. 

Indian  Hill  offers  a  glimpse  of  a  fair  little  garden, 
with  no  suggestion  of  display;  a  vine-covered  bower  sur- 
rounded with  flowers,  —  a  creation  of  simple  loveliness. 


278 


PLATE  131 

A  picturesque  spot  in  Mrs.  Taft's  garden 


PLATE  132 

A  corner  in  the  pergola 

Clifton,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.    Mrs.  Samuel  H.  Taft 


PLATE  133 

The  water  garden 
Clifton,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.    Mrs.  Samuel  H.  Taft 


PLATE  134 

The  water  garden 
"  Shadyside,"  Painesville,  Ohio.    Mrs.  H.  P.  Knapp 


PLATE  135 


XIV 


MICHIGAN  AND  WISCONSIN 

Favored  indeed  are  the  gardens  of  these  States,  which 
border  on  the  Great  Lakes,  some  five  hundred  and  eighty 
feet  above  sea-level.  The  country  in  most  parts  is  fer- 
tile and  flat,  with  a  climate  superior  to  that  of  New  Eng- 
land in  summer,  and  winters  equally  as  cold.  To  quote 
our  well  known  garden  friend,  Mrs.  Francis  King,  of  Alma, 
in  central  Michigan:  "We  have  a  very  fine  summer  climate, 
most  favorable  to  gardening;  no  humidity  whatsoever, 
but  dry  and  bracing,  and  while  a  short  summer,  a  merry 
one  for  flowers.  We  must  plan  for  a  late  spring,  and 
frost  is  due  in  early  September;  but  when  we  have  learned 
these  things  it  is  very  simple  to  arrange  for  them.  Our 
rainfall  is  usually  sufficient,  and  we  practically  never  suffer 
from  the  heat.  Hardy  Chrysanthemums  need  a  very 
sheltered  position  in  winter.  At  Detroit,  one  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  southeast  of  Alma,  the  trees  are  in  spring 
foliage  almost  ten  days  earlier,  partly  owing  to  the  dis- 
tance southward  and  partly  to  the  warming  influence  of 
Lake  St.  Clair." 

The  garden  at  Orchard  House,  Alma,  so  vividly  de- 
scribed in  "The  Well-Considered  Garden,"  is  too  familiar 
to  most  gardeners  to  need  description.    Briefly,  the  plant- 

287 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


ing  over  the  large  space  is  all  balanced  in  predominating 
colors  of  rose,  lavender,  white,  and  palest  yellow.  Gray 
foliage  and  white  flowers  are  freely  used,  and  through  the 
entire  summer  there  is  not  one  week  when  the  whole  gar- 
den is  not  gay  with  flowers  from  June  until  frost. 

To  the  northeast  of  Alma  is  the  lovely  garden  at  Gar- 
ra-tigh,  where  Daffodils  bloom,  as  in  Alma,  three  weeks 
later  than  near  the  city  of  New  York.  Bay  City  is  in  the 
latitude  of  Portland,  Maine,  and  central  Oregon.  This 
attractive  garden  shows  the  effective  combination  of 
flowers  and  trees  so  well  arranged  that  the  trees  are  not 
detrimental  to  the  vigor  of  the  plants,  and  the  sunny 
garden  space  is  doubly  radiant  by  contrast,  lying  within 
the  trees'  encircling  shadows.  Garra-tigh  is  the  Gaelic  for 
House  with  the  Garden. 

Near  Detroit,  at  Fairlawn,  Grosse  Pointe  Shores,  on 
Lake  St.  Clair,  where  the  country  is  flat  and  fertile,  there 
is  another  delightful  place  of  interest  noted  for  the 
abundance  of  flowers  covering  several  acres  of  land.  The 
accompanying  photograph  was  made  in  early  September, 
when  the  best  of  the  bloom  had  passed.  In  June  and 
July  the  place  is  a  glory  with  Lilies,  Columbine,  and  Del- 
phinium that  are  counted  in  hundreds,  and  earlier  there 
are  Tulips  and  Daffodils  by  the  thousands.  Behind  the 
broad  borders  that  edge  the  walks  vegetables  grow  in  great 
quantities.  Early  Tulips  come  the  first  week  of  May, 
late  Tulips  about  May  20.  Climate  and  soil  combine  to 
simplify  the  gardening  tasks  in  this  productive  country. 

288 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


The  House  in  the  Woods,  on  Lake  Geneva,  Wisconsin, 
has  a  beautiful  garden  so  well  planned  that  it  seems 
like  an  outdoor  room  to  this  charming  villa.  The  plant- 
ing scheme  is  moderate,  easily  maintained,  and  yet  with 
beds  broad  enough  to  include  without  difficulty  the  plants 
for  a  long,  continuous  bloom.  Opposite  the  house  the 
picturesque  studio,  standing  out  against  the  wooded 
background,  borders  the  garden  on  this  side  so  that  it  lies 
within  an  enclosed  court. 


289 


PLATE  140 

Studio  from  main  house 


PLATE  141 

Court  from  studio  terrace 


"House-in-the- Woods,"  Lake  Geneva,  Wis.    Frederic  Clay  Bartlett,  Esq. 


XV 


NEW  MEXICO 

The  mountainous  States  of  the  West,  from  Montana 
to  New  Mexico,  from  Colorado  almost  to  the  Pacific,  have 
a  climate  of  their  own,  varying  naturally  according  to 
latitude.  A  resident  of  Las  Cruces,  New  Mexico,  writes: 
"The  first  killing  frost  is  usually  to  be  expected  from  the 
7th  to  the  25th  of  October,  very  often  it  is  much  later, 
and  we  have  had  tomatoes  till  December  with  the  slight- 
est possible  protection.  Many  flowers  in  a  sheltered 
position  bloom  in  winter,  such  as  Calendula,  Violets, 
Wallflowers,  and  Pansies.  The  highest  ordinary  summer 
thermometer  is  ninety-two  to  ninety-eight  degrees.  The 
lowest  usually  in  winter  is  fifteen  degrees  —  occasionally  it 
has  gone  down  to  fifteen  or  twenty  degrees  below  zero, 
but  that  is  most  exceptional.  The  climate  is  extremely 
dry.  Most  of  New  Mexico  is  at  a  high  altitude  —  we  are 
about  three  thousand  eight  hundred  feet  above  sea-level 
here. 

"As  some  plants  blossom  through  the  winter,  it  is 
hard  to  say  when  the  garden  begins  to  bloom.  But  about 
the  middle  of  March  we  have  Crocuses,  followed  the  1st 
of  April  by  Jonquils,  Narcissus,  Tulips,  and  other  bulbs, 

299 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


also  German  Iris,  Lilac,  Periwinkles,  Cornflower,  Mi- 
gnonette. In  the  mountains  near-by  the  California  Poppies 
bloom  at  the  same  time.  Then  about  mid- April  come 
Tea  Roses  — ■  and  at  the  end  of  April  or  soon  after  the 
Peonies  and  Sweet  Peas.  The  1st  of  May  or  a  Httle  later 
Honeysuckles,  Phlox,  Snapdragon,  Zinnias,  and  annual 
Larkspurs  appear.  Almost  everything  that  is  not  ex- 
tremely tender  can  be  wintered  in  open  ground  without 
protection.  Tender  annuals  should  be  planted  out  about 
the  end  of  March.  I  transplanted  some  things  last  year 
the  end  of  April,  and  the  noonday  sun  was  too  much  for 
them,  though  I  shaded  them  for  some  time.  We  plant 
seeds  of  Pansies,  Asters,  Sweet  Peas,  etc.,  in  the  fall  for 
best  results." 

The  garden  at  Mr.  Barker's  mountain  home  is  deUght- 
fully  fitted  to  its  surroundings,  where  nature  is  supreme 
and  all  else  studied  simplicity.  Flowers  revel  in  their 
freedom  without  the  restriction  of  conventional  beds. 
Flowers,  nature,  and  the  simple  life  of  the  Southern  hills 
is  the  message  from  this  distant  home. 


300 


XVI 


CALIFORNIA 

The  garden  section  of  this  State  extends  the  length 
of  its  coast,  and  possibly  fifty  miles  inland,  and  much  is 
conveyed  in  a  few  words  when  it  is  described  as  one  garden 
throughout  this  whole  region.  In  the  hill  country  moun- 
tains are  admirable  settings  to  tropical  gardens,  and  from 
there  to  the  sandy  shores  a  delectable  climate  with  pre- 
vailing westerly  sea-winds  encourages  phenomenal  growth 
of  the  choicest  plants. 

Southern  California  is  particularly  blessed  with  a  clear, 
dry,  and  balmy  climate.  Quoting  an  authority  in  Santa 
Barbara:  "There  is  practically  no  frost  in  southern  Cali- 
fornia; in  the  north  there  is  some.  There  are  flowers  in 
our  gardens  at  all  times  of  the  year.  Tulips  bloom  in 
February  and  March;  Daffodils,  German  Iris,  and  other 
hardies  from  February  to  May;  also  Lilies-of-the-Valley, 
which  latter  are  more  scarce  on  account  of  the  dryness  of 
the  atmosphere.  From  March  till  autumn  there  is  bloom 
from  Sweet  William,  Phlox,  and  many  others  of  their 
kind,  while  Geranium,  the  common  Marguerite,  and  Heli- 
otrope grow  all  the  year  around  and  become  large  bushes. 
Roses  cover  the  tops  of  some  villas;  Cosmos,  California 

303 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


Poppy,  Zinnia,  Nasturtium,  and  Stock  are  among  the 
favorite  annuals;  and  all,  whether  hardy  or  tender,  may 
be  planted  out  in  March  when  the  winter  rains  are  over. 
Some  of  the  favorite  exotic  shrubs  used  for  their  bloom 
are  the  Acacias,  Genista,  etc.,  Solanums,  and  Choisia 
Ternata."  Quite  common  are  the  great  Poinsetta  plants 
and  the  soft,  trailing  Bougainvillea,  with  its  exquisite  red 
matching  in  tone  the  color  of  our  autumn  leaves.  Box- 
wood is  little  used  in  this  climate.  Toward  San  Fran- 
cisco and  northward  it  is  found  in  greater  quantity.  To 
the  south  it  is  replaced  by  Myrtus  communis  nanus, 
Myrtus  microphylla,  Veronica  Andersonii  for  low  hedges; 
Monterey  Cypress,  Eugenia  myrtifolia,  different  species  of 
Ligustrum  (Privet),  which  are  all  evergreen  here,  Duranta 
Plumerii,  and  others. 

The  highest  temperature  in  Santa  Barbara  for  a  few 
days  in  fall  is  about  eighty-six  degrees  Fahrenheit  and  the 
lowest  in  winter  is  forty  degrees  for  a  few  days.  The 
summers  are  very  cool.  The  climate  of  Santa  Barbara 
is  quite  similar  to  Sorrento,  Italy,  only  better.  The  far- 
ther north  on  the  coast  the  more  rain.  In  Santa  Barbara 
there  is  sunshine  continually,  except  for  the  brief  period 
of  rain  in  winter.  The  warmest  months  are  August,  Sep- 
tember, and  October.  From  May  to  August  there  are 
fogs  at  night  along  the  coast  which  keep  the  temperature 
down  during  the  day. 

In  this  paradise  of  sunshine  and  flowers  are  found  a 
bewildering  number  of  wonderful  subjects  for  photography, 

304 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


some  of  which  must  give  an  idea  of  the  favored  vegetation 
of  California. 

At  Kimberly  Crest,  as  in  the  other  views,  most  con- 
spicuous is  the  brilliant  clearness  of  the  atmosphere.  This 
beautiful  country-seat  is  a  sample  of  many  which  are  built 
more  or  less  on  a  similar  plan,  and  especially  noted  for  their 
profusion  of  choicest  shrubs,  trees,  and  flowering  plants. 

At  Glendessary  is  found  one  of  California's  favorite 
gardens,  where  the  strong  sunshine  is  moderated  by  the 
plentiful  use  of  trees  so  carefully  arranged  that  the  shadows 
do  not  disturb  the  growths  of  flowers,  which  bloom  abun- 
dantly throughout  this  lovely  place. 

The  flower  garden  at  Piranhurst,  named  for  Saint 
Piran,  an  Irish  saint,  is  exceedingly  picturesque.  The 
wonderful  Greek  Theatre,  with  its  wings  of  tall,  clipped 
Cypress,  is  without  a  rival  in  this  country.  The  design 
was  modelled  after  one  at  the  Villa  Gori,  in  Italy.  This 
remarkable  planting,  together  with  the  Roses  and  other 
flora  in  the  adjoining  garden,  combine  to  make  it  one  of 
the  most  famous  places  on  the  coast.  The  owner  of 
Piranhurst  is  also  possessor  of  the  garden  at  Ross,  partly 
shown  in  the  view  of  a  fountain,  with  its  hill  background 
covered  with  massively  grouped  Hydrangeas  and  Rose 
vines. 

Perfectly  complete  in  every  detail  is  the  lovely  pool  in 
Doctor  Schiffman's  garden.  It  seems  more  a  product  of 
the  Old  World  across  the  sea,  while  fitting  so  happily  into 
the  tropical  atmosphere  of  Pasadena. 

305 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


The  marvellous  growth  of  Banksia  and  Cherokee 
Roses,  the  field  of  Marguerites,  and  the  background  of 
snow-peaked  mountains,  all  so  characteristic  of  California, 
belong  to  Cafion  Crest  Park,  an  estate  well  known  to 
many  travellers.  Wonderful,  too,  are  the  Palms  that 
overarch  the  driveway,  and  beautiful  the  gardens  and 
panorama  beyond. 

The  Cactus  planting  of  a  San  Diego  garden  is  an  in- 
teresting study  in  the  horticulture  of  California  —  this 
most  favored  State  of  the  great  Union. 


306 


PLATE  146 

The  Greek  Theatre  —  the  stage 


PLATE  147 

The  Greek  Theatre  —  the  boxes 
"Piranhurst,"  Santa  Barbara,  Cal.    Mrs.  Henry  Bothin 


Piranhurst,"  Santa  Barbara,  Cal.    Mrs.  Henry  Bothin 


PLATE  148 


PLATE  149 

Ross,  Cal.    Mrs.  Henry  Bothin 


"  Canon  Crest  Park  ' 


PLATE  151 


PLATE  153 


From  a  photograph  by  Brown  Brothers  PLATE  155 

A  Cactus  garden,  Riverside,  Cal. 


Typical  growth  in  California 


XVII 


OREGON  AND  WASHINGTON 

In  this  coast  region  of  the  Northwest,  shrubs,  trees, 
and  vines  develop  rapidly  and  give  sooner  to  the  garden 
the  appearance  of  completeness  than  is  the  case  in  the 
drier  climates.  An  authority  from  Portland  says:  "The 
growing  season  is  long,  lasting  from  March  1  to  Novem- 
ber 1,  and  in  the  places  where  lawns  are  well  kept  they 
are  green  throughout  the  entire  winter.  At  this  period, 
however,  the  grass  does  not  grow  enough  to  require  clip- 
ping. Several  shrubs,  such  as  the  Laurestinus,  remain  in 
foliage  throughout  the  entire  winter.  Usually  a  few  be- 
lated Roses  are  found  on  the  bushes  as  late  as  Christmas, 
not  the  perfect  blooms  of  summer,  by  any  means,  but 
sufficiently  good-looking  to  adorn  a  vase  in  the  drawing- 
room.  The  freezing  weather  would  ordinarily  come  in 
January  and  be  very  limited  in  duration."  In  February 
the  spring  bulbs,  Daffodils  and  Forsythia,  appear. 

At  Tacoma  and  throughout  the  coast  section  of  Wash- 
ington the  climate  differs  but  slightly  from  that  of  Port- 
land, Oregon,  the  latter  having  probably  less  rain  and 
mist,  but  the  whole  coast  is  ideal  for  flowers.  The  summer 
is  the  dryest  season,  when  gardens  will  require  some  sprin- 

323 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


kling  but  not  to  the  extent  necessary  in  most  portions  of 
the  country.  Another  authority  states  that  in  this  north- 
west coast  district  it  is  clear  43  per  cent  of  the  year  be- 
tween sunrise  and  sunset.  On  an  average,  80  clear  days, 
122  partly  clear  days,  163  cloudy  days.  A  day  which  is 
up  to  three-tenths  cloudy  is  classed  as  clear.  A  day  four- 
tenths  to  seven-tenths  cloudy  is  classed  as  partly  clear. 
Days  in  excess  of  lour-tenths  cloudy  classed  as  cloudy. 

Near  Tacoma,  among  majestic  surroundings  of  forest 
and  lake,  with  Mount  Tacoma  as  a  background,  are  the 
famous  gardens  of  Thornewood,  rich  in  flowers  and  shrubs 
and  splendid  garden  architecture.  Trees  and  hedges  will 
wither  and  die,  but  the  "everlasting  hills"  and  the  silver 
waters  of  American  Lake  will  form  a  perpetual  background 
to  this  beautiful  place,  built  in  1880  and  standing  as  the 
pioneer  great  garden  of  the  State. 

Gardens  even  in  the  cities  are  becoming  numerous, 
and  attached  to  many  fine  residences  the  planting,  though 
now  in  its  youth,  promises  to  add  great  adornment  in  the 
near  future  to  these  municipalities  of  the  Northwest.  Mr. 
Merrill's  spacious  place  in  Seattle,  partly  shown  in  two 
small  views,  illustrates  the  delightful  possibilities  of  a  town 
garden. 

The  Rose  hedge  and  lovely  Rose  garden  at  Rose  Crest 
are  typical  of  hundreds  of  others  in  Portland.  The  hedges 
are  usually  made  up  of  Madame  Caroline  Testout  Roses, 
the  most  popular  sort  there;  in  fact,  Portland's  official 
emblem.   By  June  1,  along  the  curbing  of  the  avenues, 

324 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


there  are  miles  of  Roses  in  bloom,  and,  as  may  be  imagined, 
the  effect  is  very  pleasing.  The  climate  of  western  Oregon 
is  quite  similar  to  favored  portions  of  England,  but  has 
the  advantage  of  more  sunshine.  The  variety  of  vegeta- 
tion is  almost  endless.  Plants  native  to  England  will 
grow  here  that  will  not  thrive  in  other  parts  of  the  United 
States,  and  the  gardening  tasks  are  simple  in  comparison 
to  the  toil  necessary  where  gardens  are  subject  to  greater 
extremes  of  heat,  cold,  drought,  and  similar  problems. 

Cliff  Cottage  and  High  Hatch,  both  about  six  miles 
south  of  Portland,  on  the  Willamette  River,  possess  gar- 
dens in  their  beginning,  both  interestingly  planned  and  al- 
ready known  to  garden  lovers  even  beyond  the  limits  of 
that  State.  The  Cliff  Cottage  garden  is  designed  in  four 
terraces,  with  a  rich  background  of  primeval  trees.  Dwarf 
fruit  trees  and  vegetables  fill  the  beds  that  are  all  bordered 
with  flowers.  The  stone  stairway  leading  to  the  several 
terraces  is  in  keeping  with  the  natural  surroundings  of  a 
wooded  hillside.  Rock  planting  is  also  a  feature.  The 
landscape  in  the  distance  is  a  beautiful  outlook. 

High  Hatch  has  a  combination  of  upper  and  lower 
garden,  partly  in  a  rock  garden,  spread  out  over  consider- 
able undulating  land  with  winding  gravel  paths  and  stone 
stairs  connecting  the  various  parts.  A  wide  white  stone 
balustrade  divides  the  broad  lawn  from  the  gardens  below, 
and  a  fine  growth  of  aged  pines  completes  the  adornment 
of  the  place. 


325 


PLATE  160 

Seattle,  Wash.    Robert  Merrill,  Esq. 


/ 


A  garden  in  three  terraces 
"Cliff  Cottage,"  Elk  Rock,  Portland,  Ore.    Peter  Kerr,  Esq. 


PLATE  163 


XVIII 


ALASKA 

Last,  but  not  least,  comes  Alaska;  even  if  last  to 
arrive  on  the  map  of  the  Union,  yet  not  least  in  size  of 
territory  or  in  flowers,  and  with  still  another  condition 
of  climate  to  be  considered.  Alaskan  gardens  are  as 
yet  but  tiny  modest  plots  against  the  gray  log  cabins, 
suggesting  the  homes  of  our  Pilgrim  fathers  on  the  milder 
New  England  coast  so  long  ago,  and  as  we  think  of  the 
stone  and  marble  pergolas  in  modem  New  England,  there 
comes  the  suggestion:  "Then  why  not  Alaska  likewise 
some  day?" 

To  those  who  think  of  Alaska  only  as  a  land  of  snow 
and  ice,  descriptions  of  its  flower-surrounded  log  cabins 
seem  like  impossible  dreams.  Quoting  from  Reverend 
Mr.  Lumpkin's  paper: 

"In  coming  into  Alaska,  you  first  awake  to  the  beauti- 
ful reality  in  Skagway.  This  is  the  point  where  the  White 
Pass  road  is  taken  to  make  connection  with  the  river  boats 
for  the  interior.  Your  eyes  rest  upon  the  wonderful  fulfil- 
ment of  the  flowers  and  your  crag-Vv^eary  soul  is  refreshed. 

"Every  growing  thing  in  Alaska  seems  to  exemplify 
the  Alaskan  spirit,  and  that  is  to  make  the  very  best  of 

337 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


bad  conditions,  and  to  make  the  very  most  of  the  many 
good  ones.  With  the  dark  winters  and  short  summers, 
every  ray  of  sunshine  has  to  be  used,  and  when  in  the 
summer  the  sun  shines  all  day  and  nearly  all  night  for 
three  months,  there  is  no  time  for  loafing  in  flower  land. 

"Just  take  a  walk  down  through  Fairbanks  in  July 
and  you  will  begin  to  think  that  wonders  will  never  cease. 
You  will  see  flowers,  that  at  home  you  had  to  coax  and 
nurse  into  growth,  here  in  radiant,  luxuriant  masses.  The 
Pansies  are  unusually  large,  whole  borders  of  them,  and 
paths  bordered  with  beds  a  foot  wide,  filled  to  the  edges 
with  changeable  velvet.  Sweet  Peas  grow  up  to  the  tops 
of  the  fences,  and  then,  if  no  further  support  is  given  them, 
over  they  go,  back  to  the  ground  again.  All  summer 
the  Nasturtiums  climb  nearer  and  nearer  the  roofs  of  the 
cabins,  and  bloom  and  bloom  in  sheer  delight.  Some 
paths  are  bordered  with  Poppies,  big  stately  red  and 
white,  and  white  and  pink  ones,  or  the  golden  California 
beauties.  These  natives  of  warmer  climes  seem  perfectly 
at  home  in  the  Northland.  Asters  scorn  hothouses  and 
grow  in  profusion  wherever  they  are  planted,  and  wher- 
ever they  are  they  are  beautiful.  They  are  as  large  as 
the  Chrysanthemums  the  Easterner  delights  in,  and  of  all 
the  various  changes  of  colors.  By  them,  perhaps,  will  be 
Dahlias  as  large  and  rich  as  any  you  have  ever  seen.  The 
more  beauty-loving  and  flower-loving  the  owner  of  the 
garden,  the  longer  you  will  stay  to  look  and  wonder. 
Candytuft,  Sweet  Alyssum,  and  Mignonette  will  greet 

338 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


you  from  their  accustomed  places  on  the  borders  of  beds 
of  flowers,  and  you  will  almost  smile  at  them  as  at  some 
old-time  friend.  Then  you  will  see  where  some  daring 
gardener  has  bordered  the  beds  with  Phlox  or  Snapdragon, 
and  you  will  feel  compelled  to  admire  the  result. 

"Never  have  I  seen  such  Begonias.  The  flowers  are 
like  Camellias,  and  the  colors  exquisite.  Shades  of  pale 
yellow  to  deep  yellow,  pale  pink  to  deep  pink,  and  the  pure 
white.  The  Geraniums,  too,  grow  to  giant  size,  and  seem 
to  be  ever-blooming.  One  really  is  tempted  to  feel  the 
stalks  of  some  of  them  before  it  can  be  believed  that  they 
are  not  two  plants  tied  together.  There  was  a  Geranium 
in  one  of  the  small  towns  which  filled  the  window  of  a 
store. 

"Many  cabins  have  five  or  more  baskets  hanging  from 
the  eaves.  Imagine  gray  log  cabins  with  birch  baskets 
filled  with  blue  Lobelias;  flame-colored  Nasturtiums  climb- 
ing to  the  roof,  beds  of  velvet  Pansies,  borders  of  crimson 
Poppies  leading  to  the  gate,  where  golden  California 
Poppies  make  way  for  you  to  pass,  and  beyond,  the  dis- 
tant Alaskan  mountains,  snow-covered  and  glistening  in 
the  sun.  Imagine  one  cabin,  and  then  think  of  streets  of 
them;  change  your  flower  colors  as  you  will,  as  a  child 
changes  his  kaleidoscope,  and  you  will  have  some  idea  of 
Alaska  flower  land."  * 

*  From  The  Alaskan  Churchman. 


339 


XIX 


VANCOUVER  ISLAND 

The  lure  of  the  far-famed  gardens  of  the  island  so 
close  to  our  shores  is  enticing  enough  to  make  a  happy 
excuse  for  giving  the  space  of  a  page  to  one  of  its  smaller 
gardens. 

In  the  heart  of  this  fair  garden,  in  the  country  of  the 
Englishman,  at  the  end  of  this  book  on  American  gardens, 
the  author,  though  a  proud  American,  unhesitatingly  ad- 
mits that  usually  it  is  the  Englishman  who  has  inspired  us 
to  make  gardens  as  nearly  as  possible  like  those  of  the 
mother  country.  Is  it  the  old  blood  that  is  stirring 
within  us,  the  common  bond  of  past  associations  and 
brotherhood  so  often  expressed  in  our  physical  resem- 
blances as  well  as  in  many  of  our  ideals?  The  garden  in 
the  accompanying  illustrations  shows  a  beautiful  combina- 
tion of  flowers  with  picturesque  old  trees. 

The  climate  of  this  favored  place  is  even  more  de- 
lightful and  balmy  than  that  of  the  mainland,  and  the 
charm  of  the  great  Pacific  is  doubly  felt  along  these  quiet 
shores.  The  untravelled  may  picture  it  as  isolated  and 
forsaken,  but  rather  is  it  just  enough  retired  to  be  apart 
without  loneliness;  and,  except  in  a  few  cities,  excluding 

340 


BEAUTIFUL  GARDENS  IN  AMERICA 


the  turmoil  of  the  world,  yet  hospitably  open  to  the 
friendly  passer-by. 

There  is  more  sunshine  here  than  in  England,  although 
the  climates  are  very  similar.  On  Vancouver  Island  there 
are  the  four  distinct,  well-defined  seasons;  the  temperature 
is  more  like  that  of  Portland  than  of  Tacoma.  The  island 
is  generously  covered  with  vegetation,  and  when  its  native 
wild  flowers  are  considered,  in  addition  to  the  gardens  in 
rich  cultivation,  it  may  well  be  called  a  garden  island. 


341 


A  FEW  GARDEN  GATES 


PLATE  175 

Clifton,"  Cincinnati,  Ohio,    Mrs.  Samuel  H.  Taft 


PLATE  176 

"  Thornewood,"  Tacoma,  Wash.    Chester  Thome,  Esq. 


GETTY  RESEARCH  INSTITUTE 


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